Introduction
In the speech “Four Freedoms,” Franklin Roosevelt outlined four major goals to reach global freedoms in speech, worship, and the absence of want and fear. These ideas remain relevant today as the United States and other countries continue developing. One particular issue is freedom of speech in new digital space – a common topic of discussion. With the introduction of the internet, people’s communications have undergone many changes.
Thesis
Now, the lack of regulation on the federal level and the dominating role of corporations contribute to the limited freedom of speech proposed by Roosevelt.
Current Events
Currently, most social media platforms on the internet are regulated by companies’ individual rules. As a result, businesses can create their own regulations that do not always have to align with the existing law (Menkes 37). A recent example is the choices made by Elon Musk, a new owner of a large social media platform, Twitter. While Musk declared that his vision was to be inclusive and focused on freedom of speech, he also restricted access to public information for journalists, as it was connected to him (Feiner). This behavior contradicts the freedom of speech rights emphasized by Roosevelt, as people should be able to share their opinions and public knowledge without the fear of censorship.
Personal Examples
While I did not experience such censorship directly, I saw many accounts get suspended for sharing information the company’s owner deemed damaging to his image. I always think about my tone and messaging before I post, and it is now done not to be polite to other people but to avoid a potential conflict with the business that owns my account.
Conclusion
Roosevelt’s speech remains relevant today, and even small events contribute to the more significant issues he outlined. The recent restriction of speech on social media is guided by a few people, which does not align with the fundamental right to free expression. The example of Twitter shows how simple it is for certain individuals to censor others in the current environment. This problem should be resolved to help the United States and the world reach one of the four freedoms.
Works Cited
Feiner, Lauren. “How the Supreme Court Could Soon Change Free Speech on the Internet.” CNBC, Web.
Menkes, Jerzy. “Freedom of Speech in the Age of Digitalisation: Opportunities and Threats.” The European Union Digital Single Market, edited by Łukasz Dawid Dąbrowski and Magdalena Suska, Taylor & Francis, 2022, pp. 35-62.
Roosevelt, Franklin. “Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union.” National Archives, 1941.