OUR FOCUS - The Future of Free Speech

At The Future of Free Speech, we are dedicated to reversing the decline of free speech worldwide. Our initiatives focus on challenging undue restrictions in both authoritarian states and established democracies. Guided by our research and public engagement efforts, we advocate for laws and policies that uphold free expression as the most important human right.
We support and advocate for AI systems that respect the rights to freedom of expression and access to information while effectively managing harmful content. We seek to address both public and private guardrails that filter or censor speech and information.
We advocate for open dialogue and counterspeech rather than relying on blasphemy and laws against non-violent hate speech, which can suppress productive discussion and inadvertently harm minorities. History and research show how these laws can deepen societal divides and even be exploited to stifle dissent. Our approach promotes understanding and societal progress through solidarity with those targeted by hatred, steering clear of censorship.
We address misinformation and disinformation by advocating for solutions that enhance public resilience without compromising free speech. We seek to empower people by promoting education and access to information, helping to build a society that is informed and free.
We call for digital regulations that seriously consider the impact on freedom of expression and access to information and safeguard these rights as cornerstones of the digital age. While important, the notion of online safety should be narrowly defined to avoid abuse. Our vision is to maintain the internet as a space for innovation and open dialogue, free of centralized top-down governmental or corporate control.
We promote content moderation policies that empower users to assert more control over the types of content they want to see or engage with. Through our research and advocacy, we seek to prevent excessive censorship by both platforms and governments while providing users with agency and choice.
We are committed to creating tools that help individuals address online hate speech and disinformation effectively. By enhancing digital literacy and fostering community-led responses, our tools help cultivate a safer and more respectful online space.
Recognizing the historical significance of free speech in advancing democracy, freedom, tolerance, and understanding helps us appreciate its critical role for both individuals and society as a whole. We draw lessons from history to reinforce the cultural and legal foundations of free speech, emphasizing its importance in advancing freedom, justice, and equality.
We understand that threats to free speech extend beyond government policies and often stem from cultural, technological, and societal influences. We strive to cultivate a robust and enduring culture of free speech, recognizing that true freedom of expression can only thrive in societies that value open dialogue, individual autonomy, and the exchange of diverse ideas.
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The Future of Free Speech Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN 37212
The Future of Free Speech is an independent, non-partisan think tank located at Vanderbilt University.
We will reaffirm freedom of expression as the bedrock of free and thriving societies through actionable research, empowering tools, and principled advocacy.
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