Skip to content

Freedom of expression online

Author: Kettemann, M. C., & Benedek, W.
Published in: Mart Susi (Ed.), Human Rights, Digital Society and the Law. A Research Companion. (pp. 58–74). London, United Kingdom: Routledge.
Year: 2019
Type: Book contributions and chapters

States have a duty to protect their citizens with regard to the Internet (and regarding their online activities, including the exercise of freedom of expression). In so doing, they are obliged to protect them from the activities of third parties as well, be they other individuals or companies. Tech companies, too, including social networking platforms, have a corporate social responsibility to respect human rights within their sphere of influence, which – on the Internet – is growing rapidly as the majority of relevant communicative acts takes place in private spaces. The special role of intermediaries is another challenge for regulating the Internet. As the majority of online spaces lies in private hands, it is private law that prima facie frames many norm conflicts online. When states react belatedly through laws or judgments, these may lead to over-blocking or legal conflicts between competing jurisdictions.

Visit publication

Publication

Connected HIIG researchers

Matthias C. Kettemann, Prof. Dr. LL.M. (Harvard)

Forschungsgruppenleiter und Assoziierter Forscher: Globaler Konstitutionalismus und das Internet



    Explore current HIIG Activities

    Research issues in focus

    HIIG is currently working on exciting topics. Learn more about our interdisciplinary pioneering work in public discourse.