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PDF - Freedom of expression and the internet (Updated and revised 2nd edition) (2020)
Human rights matter on the internet. Without freedom of expression, people cannot participate in everything that the information society has to offer. Yet online free speech is in danger. Between state laws, private rules and algorithms, full participation in the online communicative space faces many challenges. This publication explores the profound impact of the internet on free expression and how it can be effectively secured online.
The second, updated edition of this introduction into the protection of freedom of expression online answers essential questions regarding the extent and limits of freedom of expression online and the role of social networks, courts, states and organisations in online communication spaces. In clear language, with vivid examples spanning two decades of internet law, the authors answer questions on freedom of expression in cyberspace. Addressing issues from the protection of bloggers to the right to access online information, the publication also shows the importance of the standard-setting, monitoring and promotion activities of international and non-governmental organisations and includes a chapter on relevant national practice. It pays special attention to the role of European human rights law and the Council of Europe as this region’s most important human rights organisation.
TABLE OF CASES
PREFACE
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION: THE CHALLENGES OF ENSURING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ON THE INTERNET
CHAPTER 2. THE CONTENT OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ONLINE
2.1. Main elements of the right
2.3. Right to access to the internet
CHAPTER 3. RESTRICTIONS ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ONLINE
3.1. Principles and problems
3.2. Criteria for restrictions and the practice of the Court in internet cases
CHAPTER 4. STANDARD SETTING BY THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE AND NON-STATE ACTORS
4.1. The context: the role of human rights in internet governance
4.2. Activities of the Council of Europe: awareness-raising and standard setting
5.1. Internet content regulation and freedom of expression
5.2. Information and disinformation
5.4. Network neutrality and freedom of expression
5.5. Characteristics of protected and unprotected speech online
5.6. Fighting online hate speech
5.7. Defamation, reputation and freedom of expression online
5.8. Protection of children in light of freedom of expression
5.9. Freedom of expression and internet domain names
5.10. The role of internet intermediaries: reconfiguring their rights and duties
5.11. Regulatory approaches to freedom of expression in social networks
5.12. Private and public spaces on the internet
5.13. Freedom of expression and algorithms
5.15. Transcending the national level
CHAPTER 6. RELEVANT PRACTICE ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL
6.1. Jurisdiction and freedom of expression online
7.1. Council of Europe Internet Governance Strategy
7.2. Monitoring by Council of Europe bodies
7.5. Civil society watchdogs
CHAPTER 8. PROMOTION OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ONLINE
8.1. The Council of Europe
8.2. The European Union
8.3. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
8.4. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
8.5. The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression
8.6. Initiatives by individual states
CHAPTER 9. CONCLUSIONS
9.1. Freedom of expression as the key right of the internet age
9.2. Setting standards for free speech online: the impact of the Council of Europe
9.3. Protecting internet-based freedom of expression: new challenges
9.4. The role of national courts and of the European Court of Human Rights
9.5. Judges outside the courtroom: monitoring freedom of expression
9.6. Taking things one step further: promoting freedom of expression
9.7. Freedom of expression on the internet: a catalyst and an enabler of human rights
SUMMARY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ABOUT THE AUTHORS