Despite the business of our daily lives, it's very important for us to take a moment to reflect on the cornerstone of democracy, things like personal freedom of speech. I'm from Nigeria and it is one of the laws in our constitution, the right of expression, freedom of speech is more than just a mere legal provision, rather it's a moral imperative that supports the unity and development of the society. It grants individuals the liberty to express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions without fear of censorship or reprisal. This right serves as a basis for democracy, facilitating open dialogue and holding those in power accountable.
However, like any right, right to freedom of speech is not absolute. It comes with responsibilities and limitations. While individuals are entitled to express their views, this right does not extend to hate speech, incitement to violence, or defamation. Because humans have taken this right for granted, the speak to people they way the like without minding the effects of their word, some even went far of taking laws into hands, because of a this abuse of the right it is crucial to set boundaries to safeguarding the rights and safety of others and ensuring a harmonious society.
We now live in a digital age, we see a lot and the introduction of social media has reshaped the landscape of freedom of speech. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube have democratized communication, allowing voices to be heard on a global scale, Yet, this newfound freedom has brought challenges, including the proliferation of misinformation and online harassment.Social media companies have tried to balance the need to protect free speech with the imperative margin line of harmful content. While many have implemented policies to address hate speech and disinformation. If you really want to hear fake news check the Internet, a lot of misleading information and people insulting people up and down and some many more, all this are people abusing this right of expression.
Beyond social media, individuals around the world face a lot of consequences for exercising their right to free speech, particularly when your speaking against those in authority like those in politics, I've witnessed in my school when a student was trying to ask the school authority to doing things in favor of the student, he as arrested and put in cell and that same request was granted to someone else who had fame, we also seen Journalists, activists, and dissenters often endure persecution and violence for speaking truth to power.
Despite these all these obstacles, the right to freedom of speech remains a cornerstone of our democratic society that must be safeguarded. It the only law that empowers individuals to challenge injustice, advocate for change where necessary in other to shape the future of society. To uphold this right, it's very important to speak out against censorship, support those who are targeted for their opinions, and advocate for policies that promote free self expression.
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This piece beautifully describe the vital importance of freedom of speech in fostering democracy and societal progress especially in the digital age. How can we strike a balance between protecting free expression? and prevent from the harmful effects of online abuse?
I won't still give them full credit because they also filter content that speaks the truth and I witnessed that on many occasions, they have done their best their is no doubt their, but they can do better,