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VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Freedom of expression in social media
Authors
Dr. Suresh Kumar
Abstract
Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic society, and
social media has emerged as one of the most powerful platforms for exercising
this right in the digital age. Social media enables individuals to express
opinions, share information, mobilize public opinion, and participate in
political, social, and cultural discourse without traditional gatekeeping.
However, the unregulated and instantaneous nature of online communication has
also given rise to challenges such as misinformation, hate speech, cyber
harassment, threats to privacy, and misuse of digital platforms. This has led
to increasing legal and regulatory interventions by the State, raising concerns
about censorship, surveillance, and the chilling effect on free speech. In the
Indian context, freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the
Constitution must be balanced against reasonable restrictions under Article
19(2), particularly in relation to public order, morality, national security,
and sovereignty. This abstract examines the scope, significance, and
limitations of freedom of expression on social media, analysing the tension
between individual rights and regulatory controls. It also highlights the role
of courts in interpreting constitutional protections in the digital sphere and
emphasizes the need for a balanced legal framework that protects free speech
while addressing legitimate concerns arising from social media use.
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Pages:85-89
How to cite this article:
Dr. Suresh Kumar "Freedom of expression in social media". International Journal of Law, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 85-89
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