During globalization, people have found themselves interacting with members of other communities, sharing differences in cultural backgrounds and social groups. Internets also amplified the freedom of expression, rewarding their users with various platforms for all types of self-expression: writing personal blogs, posting photos and videos, creating public forums and communities of interest. However, there are several complications to the nature of the Internet, the environment of which might encourage some undesired discussions to thrive. Randall describes the challenges regarding the freedom of speech raised by the Internet, such as anonymity and poor adaptation of mass communication to the cyber environment (243-46). For example, companies have to rely on automatic systems to regulate harmful expression; however, often, these systems are triggered by legitimate and non-harmful internet posts (244). According to the lecture slides, “anonymity undermines the accountability that makes journalism credible.” Despite that it provides some level of protection to the reporter, the information cannot be completely reliable and free from hateful expression.
Reference
Randall, Maya Hertig. “Freedom of expression on the internet.” Swiss Review of International and European Law, vol. 26, no. 2, 2016, pp. 235-253.