Akashma Online News

May 06, 2019

By Akashma News

Fellow journalists, we must raise our voices against the actions of tech giants such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter. Their recent measures pose significant threats to free speech, amounting to censorship and potential violations of First Amendment rights.

In May 2019, Facebook banned several high-profile individuals, including Alex Jones and Louis Farrakhan, labeling them as “dangerous individuals.” This action raises concerns about the platform’s role in determining what content users can access, read, or share. As journalists, we must question whether these companies are qualified to dictate the information we consume.

The voices being silenced have the right to be heard, and the public has the right to form their own opinions on matters of interest. These tech companies operate primarily through the internet, a space that should be protected as a public forum.

The U.S. Supreme Court addressed this issue in the landmark case of Packingham v. North Carolina in 2017. The Court ruled that access to social media is a constitutional right, stating that cyberspace is “one of the most important places to exchange views.” This decision underscores the importance of protecting free speech in the digital age.

Public space in the digital era lacks physical form, but its significance in discourse is undeniable. The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasizes that states cannot broadly limit access to social media, reinforcing the idea that these platforms are integral to modern communication.

As journalists, we have a responsibility to hold these companies accountable. We must advocate for transparency and challenge any actions that infringe upon free speech. It is crucial to ensure that these platforms do not become arbiters of truth, controlling the flow of information and stifling diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, the actions of Facebook, Google, and Twitter warrant scrutiny. We must remain vigilant in defending free speech and ensure that the digital public square remains a place for open and diverse discourse.