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Freedom of Speech and the Internet

We the people of the United States of America have a difficult time understanding or interpreting the extent of our freedom of speech; especially with respect to the internet. Where does the limit lie on what can and cannot be posted on the internet? And when does that limit pose as a breach of the freedom of speech amendment? What if the content that was posted, contained hate speech, or threatens to carry out violent acts? In an article published in the New York Post by John Samples, social media websites are actively prohibiting users that promote hate crimes against races, sexuality, religion or any protected class. According to CloudFlare CEO Matthew Prince, we are going to see more control from major owners of social media platforms in regards to what can and cannot be posted online. This circles to what we spoke about in class about the government and the slight influence they have on current day social media. 

 Samples, John. “So, Just How Guaranteed Is Your Freedom of Speech Online?” New York Post, New York Post, 19 Aug. 2017, nypost.com/2017/08/19/so-just-how-guaranteed-is-your-freedom-of-speech-online/.

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