CyberDodo and the Freedom of Expression (2-13)

Does the freedom of conscience, opinion and expression mean that you can say anything to anyone? 2/2

No, each right is connected to a duty, which can be summarised by this famous sentence: "The freedom of each person stops or starts with that of the other".

If thoughts, beliefs or opinions should always be free, they need to be expressed with respect for other people and their dignity. This is why the Convention mentions, for example, "the rights of others" or "restrictions stipulated by national law ". This is to ensure that when anyone expresses themselves, this is not done to the detriment of anyone else.

It is evident that in such an area, no perfect system can exist, because in terms of sensitivity each person can have a different opinion about what is authorised, or not authorised. As a general rule, the freedom of expression is enshrined in the law so that it affects, for example, the protection of minors, racial discrimination, the incitation to commit an illegal act, or even religious beliefs, etc.

The full acknowledgement and respect for articles 13, 14 & 15 of the Convention should therefore always be priority objectives ; legislation can only restrict these rights where it concerns imperative matters linked to these same fundamental freedoms.
 

Internet and the freedom of expression!

Has the development of the Internet changed attitudes towards freedom of expression? Where information can be transmitted almost in real time from one end of the planet to the other and by anyone with connectivity, the answer to this question can only be yes.

Despite this, censorship by certain countries against certain content which is of no general interest (as described further up on this page), as well as the number of people not yet connected, shows that the Internet cannot guarantee that each person receives reliable information.

But the Internet only has advantages, isn't that so?

Before the Internet revolution, the main media of expression and dissemination of ideas, apart from writing and correspondence between people, was the print media. The publication of books was an activity reserved for a restricted number of people who therefore controlled the contents made available to people ; this control was, however, similar to censorship or misinformation.

Today, any inhabitant of this planet with an internet connection can become an "Editor of contents", with the risks that this represents in terms of the reliability of the information conveyed. In numerous countries, immense strides were taken for freedom of expression, but these should also be accompanied by increased caution.

Everything that is on the Internet is not true or useful It is good to be able to write on the Internet!

Long live the freedom of conscience, opinion and expression, whilst respecting all

To see the cartoon on freedom of expression, click here

To see the quiz, click here

For the game, click here.

© CyberDodo Productions Ltd.