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

Last Updated: 03.07.2025 06:22

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

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.

Perjury

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.

Norris fastest as Piastri hits the wall during FP3 in Canada - Formula 1

Terroristic threats

And much, much more.

Insider trading

Crypto-crazy investors make South Korea the best-performing market in Asia - Financial Times

Conspiracy

Trade secrets

False advertising

Social Security's 2026 COLA Has an Unpleasant Surprise in Store for Retirees - The Motley Fool

Threats of violence

Child pornography

Revealing classified information

Webb telescope images frigid exoplanet in strange orbit - Phys.org

Revenge porn

No freedom is absolute.

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.

Cannabis can pack an unexpected punch for older users, experts warn - OregonLive.com

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:

HIPAA violations

Trump threatens ‘very serious consequences’ if Musk backs Democrats - The Washington Post

Insurrection

Fraud