Freedom of Speech and Expression
Before beginning this assignment, make certain that you have read Chapter 4 in your text (“Civil Liberties and Public Policy”) and the New York Times Magazine article by Emily Bazelon (October 13, 2020) titled, “The Problem of Free Speech in the Age of Disinformation” (link provided below). Then write a brief report that contains three separate sections that address all the points in each set of questions. Notice the expected word count for each section (exceeding the word count will not negatively affect your grade, but try to stay within the range).
1. Using the chapter on “Civil Liberties and Public Policy” from your text, summarize the types of free speech and expression that are protected by the First Amendment and indicate what types are not protected (give examples of each). Also, indicate how the Supreme Court has ruled on issues of “Compelled speech” and “commercial speech.” (Approximately 150-200 words)
2. The author of “The Problem of Free Speech in an Age of Disinformation” indicates that distortions of truth and waves of speech from extremists are a threat to democracy in the United States. She notes that some scholars believe that Americans’ way of thinking about free speech may not be the best way. From your reading of this article, how has the United States historically dealt with free speech issues, particularly of speech that is controversial or extreme? How has this approach shown? to be problematic (in the eyes of some) given the changes in the media landscape? Be sure to describe some examples of specific problems that have arisen. (Approximately 150-200 words)
3. According to the author of “The Problem of Free Speech in an Age of Disinformation,” what solutions to these problems have social media companies implemented and how effective have these efforts been? What obstacles stand in the way of America’s disinformation problems (when compared to European democracies)? What possible government regulations could be?
