The facts
The First Amendment bars the government from abridging freedom of speech, but it does not bind private companies, which set their own rules for their platforms.
The Supreme Court recognizes narrow exceptions to protected speech, such as true threats, incitement to imminent lawless action, and defamation.
Debates over "free speech" today often center on social-media moderation, campus policies, and government pressure on platforms — areas the courts are actively defining.
Understand the issue
Civics quick read
Glossary
First Amendment
It's the constitutional rule that stops the government from punishing you for what you say, but it doesn't app
Glossary
Content Moderation
It's how sites like Facebook, YouTube, or X decide what posts to allow, hide, label, or take down, based on th
Civics
Is free speech under threat?
A look at what the First Amendment actually protects — and where today's biggest speech fights are unfolding.
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Is free speech under threat?
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