Day 2 Session 1: Freedom of expression
Time: 5:00 UTC - 6:30 UTC
Objective: This session is aimed to explore the laws protecting freedom of expression across the South Asian region, while also examining the restrictions placed on this right within different legal systems. Participants will look closely at laws addressing hate speech, sedition, blasphemy, and defamation in their regional contexts. The session will further provide a brief historical overview of these laws and restrictions, tracing how they continue to surface in both offline and online spaces today.
Session plan:
The session will aim to cover questions such as:
- Broadly, what are the provisions that cover freedom of expression in international human rights law and national legislation in South Asia?
- Restrictions on FoE - what does international law say, and how does it compare to the kinds of restrictions we see in South Asia (hate speech, sedition, blasphemy, defamation and mis/disinformation etc.)?
- What kinds of laws are being passed in South Asia in relation to freedom of expression online? How does this differ from how FoE is regulated offline?
- What is the role of platforms with respect to freedom of expression online? What impact does the current policy approach towards platforms in South Asia have on FoE online? What needs to change?
Session exercise:
*Reading materials and tables are hyperlinked, please click the text to access
Reading Materials:
Suggested Readings
Additional Readings