#free speech

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#protests
Social justice
fromemptywheel
5 hours ago

The Point of No Kings Is NO KINGS - emptywheel

Protests against authoritarianism emphasize the principle of 'No Kings' as foundational to the nation's values.
NYC politics
fromJewish Telegraphic Agency
3 days ago

Pro-Palestinian groups to rally against synagogue 'buffer zones' during NYC vote - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Activists are rallying against proposed NYC legislation restricting protests near houses of worship, citing concerns over free speech and policing.
#free-speech
fromIndieWire
3 days ago
Media industry

How the FCC Could Quietly Smother Network TV - Without Ever 'Banning' Free Speech

fromAbove the Law
1 week ago
Law

Lemon Pound Cake Loving Property Destroying Officers Walk Away From Afroman Defamation Trial With Nothing - Above the Law

Media industry
fromIndieWire
3 days ago

How the FCC Could Quietly Smother Network TV - Without Ever 'Banning' Free Speech

Political pressure and regulatory power threaten free speech on American television, leading to self-censorship among broadcasters.
Media industry
fromwww.aljazeera.com
5 days ago

Threats over Iran war bare Trump efforts to transform free speech: Experts

Threats to punish broadcasters for coverage deemed not in public interest reflect a broader trend of free speech concerns under the Trump administration.
Law
fromAbove the Law
1 week ago

Lemon Pound Cake Loving Property Destroying Officers Walk Away From Afroman Defamation Trial With Nothing - Above the Law

A jury ruled in favor of rapper Afroman in a defamation lawsuit filed by Ohio police officers over music videos mocking their botched raid of his home.
Books
fromThe Atlantic
2 weeks ago

Salman Rushdie Doesn't Want to Be Your 'Free Speech Barbie'

Salman Rushdie, who survived a 1989 fatwa and a 2022 attack, seeks recognition as a working writer rather than a symbol of free speech, frustrated that his 23 books are overshadowed by threats to his life.
#social-media
Media industry
fromThe Verge
1 day ago

Meta's court losses could be just the beginning

Recent jury verdicts against social media platforms may signal a shift in legal accountability for their design and structure.
Media industry
fromThe Verge
1 day ago

Meta's court losses could be just the beginning

Recent jury verdicts against social media platforms may signal a shift in legal accountability for their design and structure.
fromConsequence
1 day ago

Afroman's Music Sees 500% Increase in Streaming Following His Legal Victory Against Cops

Afroman's music has seen a 500% increase in streaming following his legal victory over sheriff's deputies in Adams County, Ohio, who sued him for defamation.
Music production
NYC politics
fromThe Forward
1 day ago

NYC Council approves 'buffer zone' legislation insulating houses of worship from protests

New York City Council passed legislation to protect synagogues from disruptive protests, ensuring safety while preserving free speech rights.
Social justice
fromwww.aljazeera.com
1 day ago

Australia's post-Bondi crackdown accused of targeting pro-Palestinian voices

New hate speech laws in Australia may suppress peaceful protest and criticism of Israel, raising concerns among human rights groups.
NYC politics
fromNews 12 - Default
1 day ago

Bills targeting hate crimes advance at City Hall as critics warn of protest restrictions

New York City Council is enacting bills to combat a significant rise in hate crimes, particularly antisemitism, while facing opposition regarding free speech concerns.
New York City
fromThe Forward
2 days ago

Mamdani voices concerns about synagogue buffer zone bill poised to pass NYC Council

New York City Council plans to pass legislation for protest buffer zones around synagogues amid rising antisemitism and free speech concerns.
#lgbtq
LGBT
fromLGBTQ Nation
5 days ago

"Hero" librarian won't comply with order to remove LGBTQ+ books from kids section - LGBTQ Nation

Luanne James refuses to comply with the Rutherford County Library Board's directive to relocate LGBTQ+ books, citing First Amendment rights.
LGBT
fromAdvocate.com
1 week ago

'I will not comply': Tennessee librarian refuses to move LGBTQ+ books

A Tennessee library director refuses to relocate LGBTQ+ children's books, citing First Amendment rights and free speech principles.
UK politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 days ago

Dining across the divide: The restaurant had us down as a blind date!'

Cancel culture is often misunderstood; it involves choices about invitations rather than outright censorship.
US politics
fromCommon Dreams
1 week ago

Sanders to Headline Flagship Minnesota Rally During 3,000+ 'No Kings' Protests | Common Dreams

The No Kings protest signifies widespread support for democracy and opposition to authoritarianism in America.
Law
fromAbove the Law
1 week ago

How Appealing Weekly Roundup - Above the Law

Federal judge blocks Arkansas' Ten Commandments law; Chief Justice Roberts warns against personal attacks on judges.
Washington DC
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

US veteran charged with conspiracy' over ICE protest refuses to plead guilty

A US veteran faces conspiracy charges for protesting against ICE, asserting his right to protest as a fundamental American value.
Boston
fromLGBTQ Nation
1 week ago

A university removed professors' Pride flags over Spring Break. Now they're fighting back. - LGBTQ Nation

Boston University educators oppose the removal of Pride flags, viewing it as a suppression of free speech and a sign of anti-LGBTQ+ intolerance.
#defamation-lawsuit
fromLGBTQ Nation
1 week ago
Music production

Cops humiliated in defamation case against rapper who said a trans lesbian slept with their wives - LGBTQ Nation

Media industry
fromwww.independent.co.uk
1 week ago

BBC seeks $10 billion Trump lawsuit to be dismissed

The BBC filed a motion to dismiss Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit, arguing that defending against expensive litigation creates a chilling effect on robust reporting about public figures.
Music production
fromLGBTQ Nation
1 week ago

Cops humiliated in defamation case against rapper who said a trans lesbian slept with their wives - LGBTQ Nation

Rapper Afroman released an album mocking police officers after an unsuccessful drug raid on his home, leading to a defamation lawsuit by the officers.
US Elections
fromwww.aljazeera.com
1 week ago

BBC files motion asking US court to throw out Trump's $10bn lawsuit

Trump sued BBC for $10 billion over a documentary editing his January 6 speech, claiming defamation and unfair trade practices; BBC seeks dismissal citing free speech concerns and lack of actual malice.
Media industry
fromwww.independent.co.uk
1 week ago

BBC seeks $10 billion Trump lawsuit to be dismissed

The BBC filed a motion to dismiss Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit, arguing that defending against expensive litigation creates a chilling effect on robust reporting about public figures.
#first-amendment
Law
fromArs Technica
1 week ago

Afroman keeps trolling cops after winning "Lemon Pound Cake" defamation case

Afroman won a defamation lawsuit filed by seven police officers who conducted a 2022 raid on his home, with the jury ruling in his favor on all claims.
Law
fromLos Angeles Times
1 week ago

'We did it, America!': Afroman triumphs in lawsuit filed by law enforcement who raided his home

Afroman won a lawsuit filed by seven Ohio sheriff's officers who claimed invasion of privacy and defamation over his mocking videos and social media posts about a failed 2022 raid on his home.
Media industry
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

Republican rebukes FCC chair's threats to revoke broadcast licenses over Iran war

FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcaster licenses for spreading fake news about Iran, sparking bipartisan criticism over First Amendment concerns and government overreach.
Law
fromArs Technica
1 week ago

Afroman keeps trolling cops after winning "Lemon Pound Cake" defamation case

Afroman won a defamation lawsuit filed by seven police officers who conducted a 2022 raid on his home, with the jury ruling in his favor on all claims.
Law
fromLos Angeles Times
1 week ago

'We did it, America!': Afroman triumphs in lawsuit filed by law enforcement who raided his home

Afroman won a lawsuit filed by seven Ohio sheriff's officers who claimed invasion of privacy and defamation over his mocking videos and social media posts about a failed 2022 raid on his home.
Media industry
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

Republican rebukes FCC chair's threats to revoke broadcast licenses over Iran war

FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcaster licenses for spreading fake news about Iran, sparking bipartisan criticism over First Amendment concerns and government overreach.
Music production
fromDefector
1 week ago

Let's Catch Up On The Hilarious Afroman Defamation Trial | Defector

Afroman sued by Adams County police for defamation after releasing songs mocking their failed 2022 raid on his home, which found no evidence and resulted in property damage and alleged theft.
fromLGBTQ Nation
6 months ago

Watch as Republicans embarrassingly realize their anti-pronoun policy is a confusing waste of time - LGBTQ Nation

Heaven forbid people know who they're communicating with over email when face-to-face conversations aren't possible. We'll let the Taylors and Shannons and Lindsays of the world, and anyone else, go misgendered for the sake of my Republican colleagues' feelings. Frankly, this amendment is an embarrassing use of this committee's time when we have so many other pressing issues to address.
SF LGBT
US politics
fromBusiness Insider
1 week ago

Jimmy Kimmel calls out CBS over free speech at the Oscars

Jimmy Kimmel criticized CBS and Donald Trump at the Oscars, referencing free speech controversies and network decisions while presenting documentary awards.
Law
fromAbove the Law
2 weeks ago

Leave 'Swinging Dicks' Out Of Dissents - See Also - Above the Law

Judicial dissent, gender discrimination rulings, campus free speech disputes, and fake attorney schemes represent ongoing legal and institutional challenges requiring policy updates and vigilance.
fromwww.aljazeera.com
2 weeks ago

UK court rejects bid to reinstate terrorism' charge against Kneecap rapper

the case was never about me, never about any threat to the public and never about terrorism. It was always about Palestine, about what happens if you dare to speak up, about what happens if you can reach large groups of people and expose their hypocrisy, about the lengths Britain will go to cover up Israeli and US war crimes
London music
#legal-ruling
London music
fromIrish Independent
2 weeks ago

'I will not be silent,' says Kneecap's Mo Chara after UK prosecutors lose appeal over terror charge

A High Court dismissed the CPS appeal against a Belfast rapper's acquittal on terror charges related to displaying a flag at a London concert in November 2024.
London music
fromIrish Independent
2 weeks ago

'I will not be silent,' says Kneecap's Mo Chara after UK prosecutors lose appeal over terror charge

A High Court dismissed the CPS appeal against a Belfast rapper's acquittal on terror charges related to displaying a flag at a London concert in November 2024.
London music
fromIrish Independent
2 weeks ago

'I will not be silent,' says Kneecap's Mo Chara after UK prosecutors lose appeal over terror charge

A High Court dismissed the CPS appeal against a Belfast rapper's acquittal on terror charges related to displaying a flag at a London concert in November 2024.
London music
fromIrish Independent
2 weeks ago

'I will not be silent,' says Kneecap's Mo Chara after UK prosecutors lose appeal over terror charge

A High Court dismissed the CPS appeal against a Belfast rapper's acquittal on terror charges related to displaying a flag at a London concert in November 2024.
NYC politics
fromwww.amny.com
2 weeks ago

Gracie Mansion terror plot: Mamdani urges broad rejection of violence as another bomb scare rattles Upper East Side | amNewYork

Mayor Mamdani condemns all violence and extremism in New York City regardless of ideology, while reaffirming support for free speech following a bomb scare at an anti-Muslim protest.
Environment
fromTruthout
2 weeks ago

Environmental Activists Say the FBI May Be Investigating Them

FBI counterterror investigators are scrutinizing nonviolent climate activist groups like Extinction Rebellion NYC, raising concerns about federal law enforcement targeting constitutionally protected protest and free speech activities.
Intellectual property law
fromAxios
2 weeks ago

Anthropic sues Pentagon over rare "supply chain risk" label

Anthropic filed lawsuits challenging the Pentagon's supply chain risk designation, arguing the government cannot blacklist companies based on policy disagreements over protected speech regarding AI safety.
#ai-regulation
Intellectual property law
fromWIRED
2 weeks ago

Anthropic Sues Department of Defense Over Supply-Chain Risk Designation

Anthropic sued the Department of Defense to challenge its designation as a supply-chain risk, arguing the Pentagon's sanctions violate free speech protections and threaten hundreds of millions in government revenue.
fromArs Technica
3 weeks ago
Artificial intelligence

Musk fails to block California data disclosure law he fears will ruin xAI

A court ruled that xAI failed to demonstrate valid Fifth and First Amendment claims against California's law requiring AI developers to disclose their training data sources.
Intellectual property law
fromWIRED
2 weeks ago

Anthropic Sues Department of Defense Over Supply-Chain Risk Designation

Anthropic sued the Department of Defense to challenge its designation as a supply-chain risk, arguing the Pentagon's sanctions violate free speech protections and threaten hundreds of millions in government revenue.
Artificial intelligence
fromArs Technica
3 weeks ago

Musk fails to block California data disclosure law he fears will ruin xAI

A court ruled that xAI failed to demonstrate valid Fifth and First Amendment claims against California's law requiring AI developers to disclose their training data sources.
LGBT
fromLGBTQ Nation
2 weeks ago

What's your story of breaking free from shame? Tell us your story. - LGBTQ Nation

The Supreme Court will decide whether Colorado's conversion therapy ban violates free speech rights, while LGBTQ+ Nation seeks personal stories of liberation from shame and self-acceptance.
US politics
fromAbove the Law
3 weeks ago

Judges To AG Pam Bondi: It's OK For The Gov't To Dox People, But Not OK For People To Dox Gov't Employees? - Above the Law

The Trump administration's DOJ seeks preferential court treatment for government employees while simultaneously prosecuting protesters with potentially unlawful charges and publicizing defendants' information on social media.
Media industry
fromwww.mediaite.com
3 weeks ago

Piers Morgan Unleashes on Ben Shapiro: The Guy Just Can't Take Anyone Criticising Israel's Govt'

Piers Morgan accused Ben Shapiro of being unable to tolerate criticism of Israel's government, citing Shapiro's recent attacks on Morgan's credibility and his decision to host Israel critic Dave Smith on his show.
Berlin
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

Berlin film festival head to keep job after Gaza free speech row

Berlin film festival head Tricia Tuttle retains her position after Gaza-related free speech controversy, though the festival must develop new antisemitism code of conduct.
Right-wing politics
fromThe Nation
3 weeks ago

The Endless Hypocrisy of Bari Weiss

Bari Weiss canceled her UCLA lecture citing security concerns amid significant student opposition and controversy over her editorial direction at CBS News toward conservative positions.
#academic-freedom
Left-wing politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

Worried about freedom of speech? Then what's happening at the Open University should terrify you | Owen Jones

Pro-Israel lobby groups are conducting aggressive legal campaigns to police speech about Palestine in Western academic institutions, restricting scholarly freedom and historical terminology.
fromFortune
1 month ago
Higher education

Texas A&M professor who was fired for teaching gender studies sues on freedom of speech grounds | Fortune

Left-wing politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

Worried about freedom of speech? Then what's happening at the Open University should terrify you | Owen Jones

Pro-Israel lobby groups are conducting aggressive legal campaigns to police speech about Palestine in Western academic institutions, restricting scholarly freedom and historical terminology.
fromFortune
1 month ago
Higher education

Texas A&M professor who was fired for teaching gender studies sues on freedom of speech grounds | Fortune

Privacy technologies
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

The world wants to ban children from social media, but there will be grave consequences for us all | Taylor Lorenz

Global social media bans for minors, framed as child safety measures, enable mass surveillance and censorship while lacking evidence of effectiveness in addressing mental health crises.
fromBusiness Insider
4 weeks ago

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei: 'Disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world'

We exercised our classic First Amendment rights to speak up and disagree with the government. Disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world, and we are patriots in everything we have done here. We have stood up for the values of this country.
US politics
US news
fromwww.theguardian.com
4 weeks ago

North Dakota judge finalizes $345m judgment against Greenpeace in pipeline case

A North Dakota judge finalized a $345 million judgment against Greenpeace for its role in Dakota Access Pipeline protests, reducing a jury's $667 million award.
fromPsychology Today
4 weeks ago

Is Antisemitism Distinct From Other Prejudices?

Since the October 7, 2023, attack on Jewish residents of Israel, there has been both a rise in concern about antisemitism, its sometimes violent outcomes, and an increase in antisemitic sentiment being expressed publicly. Those who hold strong anti-Jewish views have been emboldened to share those views in public spaces, especially on college campuses, on social media, and in podcast interviews.
Social justice
#tommy-robinson
US politics
fromwww.independent.co.uk
1 month ago

Tommy Robinson welcomed by Trump administration in visit to Washington

Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist with criminal convictions, met with Trump administration officials at the US State Department, highlighting the administration's promotion of free speech advocacy.
NYC politics
fromJewish Telegraphic Agency
1 month ago

Critics of NY synagogue protest 'buffer zone' bill demonstrate outside City Hall hearing - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

New York City Council held its first hearing on a bill establishing buffer zones around houses of worship, with protesters opposing it on free speech grounds and supporters backing protections for synagogues.
US politics
fromwww.independent.co.uk
1 month ago

Teacher left depressed' after investigation over pro-Palestine protest in Sainsburys

A high school teacher faced employer investigation and mental health impacts after participating in a peaceful Palestine solidarity protest at a supermarket, revealing broader patterns of crackdowns against pro-Palestine activism.
#immigration
US politics
fromGothamist
1 month ago

As Hochul posts AI images of herself, she aims to ban the tech in political attack ads

Governor Kathy Hochul seeks a ban on AI-generated opposition campaign ads while concurrently using AI-generated images in her own political promotions, raising legal and ethical concerns.
#immigration-law
World news
fromwww.standard.co.uk
1 month ago

Trump 'could give US refuge' to man who burned Koran in front of Turkish embassy in London

US may grant refugee status to a Koran-burning asylum seeker from Turkey fleeing Britain amid legal challenges and free-speech controversy.
Film
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Berlin film festival defends jury over politics and film row

Berlinale defended its jury and president Wim Wenders after controversy over comments that filmmakers should stay out of politics, prompting criticism and an author withdrawal.
US politics
fromABA Journal
1 month ago

Failed indictment of 6 Democratic lawmakers blamed on Jeanine Pirro-picked prosecutors

Jeanine Pirro hired an inexperienced dance photographer-lawyer to pursue failed indictments of six Democratic lawmakers over a PSA urging service members to refuse illegal orders.
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful but group remains proscribed for now

High Court ruled Home Office proscription of Palestine Action unlawful, but the ban stays temporarily pending legal challenges and a government appeal.
US politics
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

How Appealing Weekly Roundup - Above the Law

Legal and political disputes: tariffs, Supreme Court action, prison transfers, free-speech risks, Bondi oversight, and challenges to the Voting Rights Act.
US news
fromwww.npr.org
1 month ago

Britain's High Court says government illegally banned Pro-Palestinian group

Britain's High Court found the government's proscription of Palestine Action unlawful but kept the ban in force pending appeal.
#high-court-ruling
fromBBC News
1 month ago
UK politics

Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful but group remains proscribed for now - live updates

fromBBC News
1 month ago
UK politics

Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful but group remains proscribed for now - live updates

fromLGBTQ Nation
1 month ago

Newsflash: Sports have always been political - LGBTQ Nation

President Donald Trump called Team USA member Hunter Hess "a real Loser" and said it was "very hard to root for someone like this" after the 27-year-old freeskier's comments about representing his country at the Winter Olympics. A reporter asked Hess at a news conference on February 6 what it means to him to represent the United States in the current climate, both domestically and internationally. He responded that it "brings up mixed emotions" and was "a little hard."
Social justice
#government-surveillance
fromHarvard Gazette
1 month ago

What would the Founding Fathers think of TikTok? - Harvard Gazette

By placing 80 percent of its U.S. assets under the control of non-Chinese investors, the joint venture aims to avoid an outright ban. The new investors include the technology company Oracle, the private equity company Silver Lake, and the Emirati investment firm MGX. ByteDance retains a stake of just under 20 percent and will license its algorithm to the new entity.
US politics
World news
fromwww.npr.org
1 month ago

Venezuelans test limits of new freedoms

Venezuela is easing repression under U.S. pressure, allowing protests and releasing political prisoners while activists probe newly expanded free-speech limits.
Law
fromAbove the Law
1 month ago

Huge Merger Causing A Lot Of Separation - See Also - Above the Law

Major legal institutions face retention, reputational, recruitment, accountability, and free-speech challenges across firms, courts, DOJ, and law schools.
US politics
fromLGBTQ Nation
1 month ago

Fox News guest says US Olympians criticizing ICE is "borderline treason" - LGBTQ Nation

Labeling U.S. Olympic athletes' criticism of ICE as 'borderline treason' exemplifies intense backlash against athletes who publicly oppose immigration enforcement and government policies.
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

University distances itself from Reform UK debate row

Bangor University's student debating society barred Reform UK speakers, citing alleged racism, transphobia and homophobia, prompting university distancing and Reform threats to withhold funding.
US politics
fromElectronic Frontier Foundation
1 month ago

On Its 30th Birthday, Section 230 Remains The Lynchpin For Users' Speech

Section 230 protects online intermediaries, preserving broad online speech, preventing censorship, and protecting users; repealing it would entrench tech monopolies and increase surveillance.
US politics
fromFortune
1 month ago

Trump calls U.S. Olympian a 'real Loser' as athletes speak out against administration policies, while Jake Paul tells critics to 'live somewhere else' | Fortune

Some U.S. Olympians criticized U.S. immigration policies, prompting public backlash and President Trump calling an athlete a "real Loser."
fromFuturism
1 month ago

The Department of Homeland Security Is Demanding That Google Turn Over Information About Random Critics

"Don't play Russian roulette with [this man's] life," Jon told lead DHS prosecutor, Joseph Dernbach, in the email. "Err on the side of caution. There's a reason the US government along with many other governments don't recognise the Taliban. Apply principles of common sense and decency." Five hours later, per WaPo, Jon received a response - not from Dernbach or the DHS, but from Google.
Privacy professionals
US politics
fromLGBTQ Nation
1 month ago

Anti-trans Democrat group sues Illinois to use the word "Democrat" in their name - LGBTQ Nation

A Democratic-aligned group sued Illinois claiming free-speech violations after being barred from using 'Democrat' in its name while opposing transgender rights.
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

When Maga oligarchs control the platforms, it isn't really a debate about free speech' | Rafael Behr

Every society recognises that words and images, in certain contexts, do harm and that incitement to commit crime can be a criminal act. There is a spectrum of tolerance and enforcement. Repression of free speech is a symptom of tyranny, but all governments regulate it to some degree. The threshold for intervention is lower when children are involved. That is why the idea of banning under-16s from social media, already operational in Australia, is catching on elsewhere.
UK politics
fromThe Nation
1 month ago

The Future of the Fourth Estate

Since Donald Trump's return to the presidency, student journalists have been instrumental in covering his administration's attacks on everything from the gutting of the Department of Education, to the rollback of diversity and equity initiatives, to the crackdown on free speech and attempted deportation of international students speaking out on Palestine. During this time of increased repression, we remain proud-as well as astonished-to be alone among national news outlets in regularly publishing student perspectives.
US politics
London
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Campaigner Peter Tatchell arrested for carrying globalise the intifada' placard

Peter Tatchell was arrested in London for holding a placard reading 'Globalise the intifada: Non-violent resistance,' sparking free-speech and protest criminalisation concerns.
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

Kemi Badenoch denies sacked Tory's claim party doesn't allow free speech

she was "very happy to hear from people who have different views".
UK politics
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