Letter: First Amendment and the internet – Courier & Press

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Congress should take immediate steps to restore freedom of speech on the internet.

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OPINION

Evansville Courier & Press Published 4:25 p.m. CT Oct. 31, 2020

We are concerned with the recent editing of individuals' comments on social media. Amendment 1 to the Constitution of the United States of America reads as follows:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The development of the internet has provided yet another method through which free speech can be communicated and heard. The internet is no different than a newspaper, radio show or television.

Freedom of speech is supported by our laws. Today's internet providers are using their business to edit free speech. This happened recently when we published a joke on Facebook. After posting the joke Facebook locked my account. The editing of free speech continues on a national scale in politics and business. Content in whatever form should never be edited by firms that maintain virtual monopolies on the internet.

Congress should take immediate steps to restore freedom of speech on the internet.

- Barry Cox

Letter to the editor(Photo: File)

Read or Share this story: https://www.courierpress.com/story/opinion/2020/10/31/letter-first-amendment-and-internet/6107077002/

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Letter: First Amendment and the internet - Courier & Press