WHAT IS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION? 

Everyone has the right to communicate his or her opinions and ideas and share information in whatever form. In human rights this is called freedom of expression. It prohibits the state and other people in society from censorship and it can be restricted for only very serious reasons.

SCOPE

Freedom of expression protects almost all the ways in which you can express yourself, regardless of the content or tone of your message. It covers all:

• spaces (public and private)
• purposes (political, artistic and commercial)
• forms (words, pictures and sounds)
• media (films, cartoons, radio, television and social media

EXAMPLE You might be writing a comment to an article on an internet portal, playing a song in public place, displaying an advertisement on a street or wearing a t-shirt expressing a certain idea.

Freedom of expression protects you from unjustified restrictions of your expressions, but it does not guarantee you access to the means for expressing your ideas.

MEDIA FREEDOM

Freedom of expression gives special rights and duties to the media. The media inform society on matters of public interest and create an important platform for public scrutiny, debate and reflection. Therefore, independent media and quality journalism are considered to be the “watchdog” of a democratic society.

Because of this role, human rights guarantee journalists and media additional rights and safeguards in carrying out their tasks. For example, journalistic sources have special protection when information on issues of public interest is gathered and reported. Journalists cannot be forced to reveal their sources except when ordered by a court.

Is it okay that anything that you do, anywhere that you go and anything that you feel is posted on social media?

In my opinion, isn’t okay that anything that I do, anywhere that I go and anything I feel is posted on social media. I don’t want to overshare too much information to the public or a stranger. Oversharing is also a problem, It Can Be Unhealthy If you say the wrong thing without thinking, it can have huge consequences.

EXAMPLE A magazine or internet portal can refuse to publish your article or comment and a social media company might remove a comment.