Article 19

Definition

Article 19 is a provision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression. It asserts that everyone has the right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media, regardless of frontiers. This article serves as a cornerstone for discussions on freedom of expression and censorship, especially in the digital age where information can be easily disseminated and controlled.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article 19 emphasizes both the individual's right to free expression and the importance of access to information for a democratic society.
2. The article allows for certain restrictions on freedom of expression, provided they are necessary for respect of the rights or reputations of others, national security, public order, or public health.
3. In the digital age, Article 19 is increasingly relevant as it addresses challenges posed by social media platforms and online censorship.
4. Various international bodies monitor and report on countries' compliance with Article 19, highlighting abuses where freedom of expression is curtailed.
5. Article 19 has inspired numerous national laws and constitutional provisions that protect freedom of speech in different countries around the world.

Review Questions

• How does Article 19 relate to current issues of censorship in digital media?
  • Article 19 is crucial in understanding how freedom of expression is challenged in today's digital media landscape. With the rise of social media and online platforms, there have been increasing instances of censorship where governments or corporations restrict access to information or suppress dissenting voices. This raises questions about balancing the protection of free speech with concerns over misinformation and hate speech, making Article 19 a key reference point for advocates fighting against unjust censorship.
• Discuss the implications of Article 19 on national laws regarding freedom of expression.
  • Article 19 has significant implications for national laws surrounding freedom of expression as it sets an international standard that many countries aspire to uphold. It encourages nations to incorporate protections for free speech into their legal frameworks while also recognizing legitimate exceptions. However, differing interpretations of what constitutes 'necessary restrictions' can lead to discrepancies in how countries apply these principles, sometimes leading to overly broad censorship that undermines fundamental rights.
• Evaluate how Article 19 can be used as a framework for advocating digital rights in relation to governmental control over online content.
  • Article 19 provides a robust framework for advocating digital rights by establishing a baseline for what constitutes acceptable limitations on free speech. In the context of governmental control over online content, activists can leverage this article to challenge unjust practices such as internet blackouts, content filtering, and surveillance. By emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in government actions concerning digital expression, advocates can push for reforms that align national policies with international human rights standards set forth in Article 19.

Related terms

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A foundational international document adopted by the United Nations in 1948, outlining the basic rights and freedoms entitled to all human beings.

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information considered objectionable or harmful by authorities.

Digital Rights: The rights and freedoms that individuals have in the digital world, including access to the internet and protection of personal data.