> Free speech is a virtue worth striving for Whether or not something is virtuous is irrelevant when trying to predict the likelihood of future regulation. Ins

> Free speech is a virtue worth striving for Whether or not something is virtuous is irrelevant when trying to predict the likelihood of future regulation. Instead, ask yourself: • How does free speech help grow the economy? • How does free speech keep the population docile? (the most likely reason for restrictions, see other comments in this thread from "free speech absolutists") • How does free speech help elites retain power? If free speech doesn't enable or support those three objectives it will eventually be regulated into something that does, using whatever mechanism (government, education, propaganda, or private enterprise) that's best. I think elites would prefer we talk within a prescribed (Overton) window, in ways that don't inflame passions, and on topics that increase our GDP, so I expect elites to aggressively pursue restrictions inline with those principles. What non-elites want or think is virtuous is ultimately irrelevant when it comes to speech, as it is in every other area that has economic significance…. Update: For people who doubt me, consider current speech restrictions in Europe. That's our future once the demographics shift enough—only crusty Anglos have majority support for unregulated "free" speech in the US according to multiple Pew polls, so restrictions are coming. Nevertheless, we'll always be allowed to talk freely about any topic (e.g. science, technology) that's needed to grow the economy since open and free inquiry is the best way to proceed.