Mark Jamison

Free speech in the digital age: Assessing the values and consequences of free expression

Does free speech apply to all corners of society, including the internet? The Constitution prohibits Congress from making any law “abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press,” and, since the 1960s, courts have interpreted this as an expansive right of individuals and institutions with few exceptions.

However, public support for free speech seems to be decreasing, especially as it pertains to social media platforms. Free speech critics support more government controls and are pressing social media platforms to censor certain ideas, opinions, and people. And sometimes, social media platforms seem happy to comply.

Public Utility Center Director and Gunter Professor Mark Jamison hosts this panel discussion on laws and civil rights, commercial control of speech, and the effects of speech controls on human development and social vigor.