Navigating the power of new tech, new trends and new laws that shape our society
As someone who has survived two very different dictatorships, hearing Americans and Europeans debate free speech always feels a little quaint. They argue about subtleties of law and meaning that are irrelevant to the half of the world’s population still living under authoritarianism, where speech is controlled by the regime.
This does not mean that these arguments are not important, even vital, in the free world, only that there should be context — and appreciation for the luxury of being able to say what you want without fearing government retaliation, which is true in almost every case. It’s also a warning to be careful what you ask for. If you’re asking for greater government oversight of speech, or more legal recourse that might limit or chill speech, it can end in places you did not want and did not expect.
One of the truisms of all governments is that power given is rarely returned, and never without a fight. People always forget this when their political side is in charge, and doing things they like. If there isn’t oversight and limits on the politicians you favor, those checks won’t be there on the politicians you don’t like.
Further reading:Canceling the cancel cultureUpgrading the software of democracySocial media vs. democracy
For example, the change of administration in the United Sta ..
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