Online Freedom of Speech and the Law: Regulating Platforms in an Information Society

This book explores the balance between the fundamental right to express opinions and the increasing demand for regulation in the era of social media, artificial intelligence, and digital governance. In an age of unprecedented digital expression, the struggle between freedom of speech and content regulation is redefining the future of democracy.This book traces the historical transformation of freedom of speech, from traditional print media to the complex legal challenges posed by global online platforms.Through a critical analysis of landmark cases, including the Glawischnig-Piesczek ruling (C-18/18), Twitter’s political speech controversies, and Article 17 of the DSM Directive, it examines how European legal frameworks are shaping online discourse.Blending legal analysis with empirical research, the book investigates public perceptions of content moderation and censorship, drawing on survey data to assess societal attitudes toward speech restrictions.It also explores AI-driven content