Introduction

Abstract

Freedom of speech is a central commitment of political liberalism, a principle of positive constitutional law in virtually all modern constitutions and a principle of international human rights law. Although among the most widely agreed upon and celebrated legal and constitutional principles of modern times, it is also the source of enduring and intense disagreement. We cannot fail to notice, moreover, that this Handbook is to be published at a time of some controversy about the power of freedom of speech in the face of new threats to democracy and the challenges of the digital economy. At worst, freedom of speech might even be part of the problem—a principle weaponized against the ideals fr..