If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?

Last Updated: 03.07.2025 03:32

If freedom of speech is absolute, how come it's not applied for private spaces and for the Internet?

You have freedom of speech. If I loan you my computer, I can tell you not to use it for certain things, because it’s mine, you have no right to use it, and if I give you permission to use it I can tell you what you can and can’t do with it.

Revenge porn

You have freedom to travel. If I loan you my car, I can tell you not to take it out of town, because it’s mine, you have no right to use it, and if I give you permission to use it I can tell you what you can and can’t do with it.

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Terroristic threats

Insider trading

Perjury

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That’s what it is. You have no right to use other people’s stuff. If people let you use their stuff, they can tell you how you can use it, and they can tell you to stop using it any time they want.

HIPAA violations

And much, much more.

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Fraud

No freedom is absolute.

Child pornography

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False advertising

Conspiracy

If you’re wondering why free speech doesn’t apply to the internet, it’s because you have no right to use other people’s stuff for free.

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Threats of violence

Insurrection

Freedom of speech does not apply to:

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Revealing classified information

Trade secrets