How to Protect the Right to Free Speech on the Internet

One of the last areas where free speech may be a true reality is the internet. Blogging places everyday citizens on a level playing field with political pundits and lawmakers. The creation of a website to promote a particular school of thought requires nominal fees and basic skills. This equal sharing of power continues to come at a cost. It is the responsibility of everyone to protect free speech on the internet.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Donate to grassroots organizations. Groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation were created specifically to deal with online free speech. There are lawyers and other volunteers who donate expertise, but there is still a large need for funds for daily operations. The ACLU is also an organization that fights for the rights of online users with donated funds.

2. Find out the online issues. Everyone online has the right to blog confidentially and keep sources to themselves. They also have the right to protect servers from government seizure without due process. Online users should know their rights in order to protect them intelligently and correctly.

3. Urge lawmakers and the courts to support online free speech. Email local congress persons stating the needs of online users and rights that lawmakers should enforce regarding free speech. Encourage family and friend to do the same. People in political power make note when large groups of people focus on the same issue.

4. Stay on top of technology advancements. Encryption methods may be used to several ends. Protect free speech and promote safety. Predators exist online as much as society, in general. There is always a need to understand how technology is used to protect free speech while protecting children and other vulnerable members of society from those manipulating the internet for criminal activity.

Resources

• ACLU
• Electronic Frontier Foundation