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> - The UN Human Rights Council deemed that basic internet access is a human right, but is it a fundamental human right which should never be taken away? I thi
by saraid216 14y ago
> - The UN Human Rights Council deemed that basic internet access is a human right, but is it a fundamental human right which should never be taken away?
I think it can be qualified. The notion that free speech, which I think we can mostly agree is an equal if not more fundamental human right, can be qualified with things like "fighting words" or "clear and present danger" suggests that other rights can similarly have exceptions.
I don't know what those are, and I have a hard time accepting that our historical examples are a good indicator, so.
- jahmed 14y agoYou do retain the ability of saying "Fighting words" or words that create a "clear and present danger" with the threat of punishment if used improperly. The critical principle of free speech is that it is free from prior restraint. You cant (or shouldnt) stop someone from saying something even if it is something they can be punished for. Cutting off access to the internet is like wholesale confiscation of printing presses without regard to their actual use.