FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND HATE SPEECH IN THE DIGITAL AGE: BALANCING RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Abstract

The digital age has transformed the way individuals communicate, offering unprecedented opportunities for expression, information sharing, and social interaction. Freedom of expression, as a fundamental democratic right, enables people to voice opinions, challenge authority, and engage in public discourse. However, this freedom faces increasing challenges due to the spread of hate speech online, which can provoke violence, discrimination, and societal division. Balancing the right to free expression with the responsibility to prevent harm has emerged as a crucial issue for policymakers, technology platforms, and civil society. This article explores the legal, ethical, and social dimensions of online hate speech, highlighting the tension between protecting individual rights and ensuring collective safety. It further examines strategies to mitigate harmful content while fostering a digital environment that respects diverse viewpoints and democratic principles. The study emphasizes that achieving an effective balance requires nuanced regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, and public awareness, ensuring that freedom of expression does not become a tool for promoting intolerance.