ದಿ ಹಿಂದೂ ಸಂಪಾದಕೀಯ “Reasonable restrictions: On Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest and content hosting”  ಬಳಸಲಾದ Idioms and Phrases

ದಿ ಹಿಂದೂ ಸಂಪಾದಕೀಯ “Reasonable restrictions: On Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest and content hosting”  ಬಳಸಲಾದ Idioms and Phrases

That free speech is not absolute and is subject to certain restrictions for public order, morals, and public health is something that has been codified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The founder and chief executive officer of Telegram, Pavel Durov, is a technology creator who has emphasized absolute free speech on his platform and has built an anti-establishmentarian image by risking the wrath of nation-states in allowing dissidents to use the messaging application. His detention and arrest by French authorities, in connection with investigations related to criminal activity on the app, has raised the question if this has been done to provide a chilling effect on freedom of expression on the Internet. But the answer is more complicated. His laissez-faire approach to content on the app has meant that it is host also to extremism, drug dealers, scammers, and, according to France, child pornography as well. Mr. Durov has said, “privacy... is more important than our fear of bad things happening ...and that, to be truly free, you should be ready to risk everything for freedom”. But can it be done to override the responsibility to prevent consequences which could endanger people’s safety and freedom? This is a key question to ask about messaging apps and “free speech absolutists” such as Mr. Durov.

Telegram is more than just a messaging app given some of its social networking features. While its encryption mechanisms allow for ease of access for dissidents and anti-state actors to use the app without scrutiny, it does not fully use “end to end” encryption — something that apps such as Signal do. This means that some messages related to criminal activity, disinformation, and child pornography can be read by Telegram; it can act on requests from law enforcement agencies if needed. Telegram, in response to Mr. Durov’s arrest, has said that its moderation “is within industry standards” and has questioned whether the platform/owner are liable or responsible for “abuse of that platform”. That may well be the case, but if in investigations by France, the platform is seen to have willfully refused to act upon requests to curb hate speech, disinformation, and contents related to criminal activity, Mr. Durov cannot and should not escape the long arm of the law. In India, the baleful effects of misinformation on platforms such as WhatsApp were visible some years ago, before the application came up with certain restrictions. These helped tamp down the spread of misinformation. For Telegram to remain a free speech advocate and a platform, it must eschew absolutism and become more responsible in moderating content.

1)  Laissez-faire approach

• Meaning: A policy or attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering; minimal governmental intervention.

• Example: "The government's laissez-faire approach to the economy allowed businesses to operate with little regulation."

2)  Chilling effect

• Meaning: A situation where speech or conduct is suppressed or limited due to the fear of legal repercussions.

• Example: "The new law had a chilling effect on journalists, who began to censor their own work to avoid prosecution."

3)  Raise the question

• Meaning: To bring up an issue or topic for discussion or consideration.

• Example: "The sudden resignation of the CEO raised the question of who would lead the company next."

4)  Overriding responsibility

• Meaning: A duty or obligation that takes precedence over others.

• Example: "The company's overriding responsibility is to ensure the safety of its employees."

5)  End to end encryption

• Meaning: A system of communication where only the communicating users can read the messages; not even the provider has access.

• Example: "Apps like Signal use end to end encryption to ensure that conversations remain private."

6)  Long arm of the law

• Meaning: The far-reaching power or influence of the legal system or law enforcement.

• Example: "The criminal thought he could escape justice, but the long arm of the law eventually caught up with him."

7)  Tamp down

• Meaning: To reduce the intensity or volume of something; to suppress.

• Example: "The government introduced measures to tamp down the spread of misinformation on social media."

8)  Free speech advocate

• Meaning: A person who supports or promotes the right to express opinions without censorship or restraint.

• Example: "As a free speech advocate, she often spoke out against any form of media censorship."

9)  Eschew absolutism

• Meaning: To avoid or reject an extreme or all-encompassing approach.

• Example: "In dealing with complex issues, it is often wiser to eschew absolutism and consider more balanced solutions."