Radiolab More Perfect: The Hate Debate
15 snips
Jul 18, 2025 
Elie Mystal, a legal editor known for his incisive takes on social justice, dives into the contentious debate around free speech. He confronts the limits of the First Amendment in our digital era, weighing the necessity of government regulation against the importance of unrestricted expression. Mystal and his co-debaters tackle online hate speech, the responsibility of social media platforms, and the complexities of moderating content. Throughout the discussion, they reveal the tension between protecting civil liberties and ensuring public safety.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Limits of First Amendment
- The First Amendment was written in a different era and is not an absolute shield for all speech today.
- It does not prevent restrictions on threats, harassment, or calls for genocide.
Risks of Government Regulating Truth
- The government controlling truth is risky as authorities misuse power to suppress dissenting voices.
- Historically, laws restricting speech have often targeted marginalized groups, not Nazis or those in power.
Improve Social Media Moderation
- Social media platforms should be cautious about restricting speech as it can be used against valuable and lawful expression.
- Users need better processes to appeal unfair content removals on these platforms.