Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig on why AI and social media are causing a free speech crisis for the internet
Decoder with Nilay Patel
The Importance of First Amendment in Speech Regulations
The tension between speech regulations and the First Amendment is a significant issue. If the government imposed regulations on TikTok similar to Chinese TikTok, parents in America would likely agree it's a problem. However, applying the First Amendment in this context is a debated topic even among colleagues. For instance, if China invaded Taiwan and started amplifying American voices on TikTok supporting their actions while suppressing those opposing them, it would be considered editorial judgment, which is protected by the First Amendment. In this case, there would be no legal action to address it. The First Amendment is crucial but can sometimes conflict with speech regulations.
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