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

Last Updated: 28.06.2025 13:56

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

Child pornography

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.

Insider trading

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Trade secrets

False advertising

HIPAA violations

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And much, much more.

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.

Freedom of speech does not apply to:

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Revealing classified information

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.

No freedom is absolute.

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Insurrection

Perjury

Revenge porn

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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.

Conspiracy

Threats of violence

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Fraud

Terroristic threats