The Web as the New Battleground over Free Expression

A free and open Internet has become one of history's most important "speech engines"—allowing anyone to use the megaphone of the Internet to express themselves. Scholars, activists, politicians and the general public utilize the Internet to stoke debate, challenge norms, rally constituents and change lives. Additionally, the emergence of digital democracy over the last decade has forced courts to revisit free expression principles in an entirely novel context and has prompted government actors to reevaluate their approaches to Internet regulation. What government and court actions might be considered a threat to free speech on the Internet, and when are limitations on free expression legitimate? How have these actions impacted the development of technologies? Is there a progressive vision for free expression and the Internet?

Speakers:

Danielle Citron, Professor of Law, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Garrett Epps, Professor of Law, University of Baltimore School of Law
Emma Llansó, Director, Free Expression Project, Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)
Gabe Rottman, Legislative Counsel and Policy Advisor, American Civil Liberties Union, Washington Legislative Office
Tim Sparapani, Vice President of Law, Policy and Government Relations, App Developers Alliance