By Jacob Mchangama Abstract In Western democracies, hate speech laws are frequently identified with the post-World War II order as enshrined in both national and international human rights law. Typically, such laws aim to prevent atrocities, as witnessed during the war, by protecting the equality and dignity of minorities from dehumanization and bigotry. Yet the […]
By Natalie Alkiviadou Introduction Generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly becoming embedded within everyday communication, information access, research, education, and public discourse. Tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and Meta AI are widely used by the public. Crucially, these systems function as intermediaries through which millions of users search for information, summarize material, […]
By E. Glen Weyl, Luke Thorburn, Emillie de Keulenaar, Jacob Mchangama, Divya Siddarth, and Audrey Tang Abstract Social media empower distributed content creation by algorithmically harnessing “the social fabric” (explicit and implicit signals of association) to serve this content. While this overcomes the bottlenecks and biases of traditional gatekeepers, many believe it has unsustainably eroded […]
By Natalie Alkiviadou Abstract Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by social media platforms to tackle online hate speech. The sheer quantity of content, the speed at which it is developed and growing state pressure on companies to remove hate speech quickly from their platforms have led to a tricky situation. This commentary argues that […]
In the 2026 edition of our report, we explore how public governance of generative artificial intelligence (AI) shapes the space for free expression and access to information. Since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, generative AI has moved from a novelty to a tool embedded in everyday communication and information access. As its reach has […]
International and Local Civil Society Appeal to End Restrictions on Freedom of Expression in Pakistan 4 August 2026 To: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar We, the undersigned local and international civil society organisations, urge Pakistan’s authorities to end […]
Comments to the Federal Trade Commission RE: Proposed Policy Statement Concerning the Suppression of Accuracy in Artificial Intelligence Systems AI Policy Statement; Matter No. P264200 July 30, 2026 The Future of Free Speech is an independent, nonpartisan think tank located at Vanderbilt University. We work to reaffirm freedom of expression as the bedrock of free […]
Comments to the Federal Communications Commission RE: In the Matter of Early License Renewal Applications of Disney’s ABC Stations MB Docket No. 26-131 July 29, 2026 I. Introduction The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken the almost unprecedented step of requiring eight Disney owned ABC stations to renew their broadcast licenses years before they were […]
By Natalie Alkiviadou and Jacob Mchangama Introduction In Germany, an artist and activist was arrested multiple times, once for wearing a Palestinian flag and again for holding a sign that read “from the river to the sea, we demand equality.” [1] In France, a mayor was held criminally liable, not for what he said, but […]
Comments to the Federal Communications Commission RE: In the Matter of the Media Bureau Seeks Comment on Petition by Disney’s ABC Asking the FCC to Declare that The View Qualifies as a Bona Fide News Interview Program and Thus Is Exempt from the Statutory Equal Opportunities Requirements MB Docket No. 26-124 June 18, 2026 The […]