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Europe's landmark Digital Services Act (DSA) heralds a new era of regulation to counter online disinformation and illegal and harmful online content. Jacob Mchangama, Director of the think tank Justitia, has praised several features of the DSA but he has also warned that the DSA could give rise to wide-ranging censorship. In this event, Mr Mchangama explores the implications of the DSA for online freedom of expression and compares Europe's policies with those of its international peers. About the Speaker: Jacob Mchangama is the CEO of the think tank Justitia and directs Justitia´s Future of Free Speech Project. Jacob has written and commented extensively in international media outlets providing expert commentary on issues related to free speech, technology and human rights. Jacob is the producer and narrator of the podcast “Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech” and author of the critically acclaimed book “Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media” published by Basic Books in 2022.
How do you future-proof freedom of speech? In this episode, Karlin Lillington helps us to navigate the changing digital environment shaping freedom of expression since the early days of the internet. We find out more about the origins, evolution, and practices of cancel culture with Eve Ng and we discuss the dangers of selective application of the principle of Free Speech with Jacob Mchangama.Karlin Lillington is a columnist with the Irish Times focusing on technology, with a special interest in its political, social, business and cultural aspects. She has also written for The Guardian, New Scientist, Wired.com, and Salon.com, served on the board of RTÉ, and is the chairperson of New Music Dublin. She holds a PhD in Anglo-Irish Literature from Trinity College Dublin.Eve Ng is Associate Professor at Ohio University where she teaches courses on media representations, gender and globalisation, feminist studies, and queer theory. Her research examines questions of media, culture, and power. She is the author of Cancel Culture: A Critical Analysis (2022).Jacob Mchangama is a lawyer and CEO of Justitia, a think tank focusing on human rights, where he directs the Future of Free Speech Project. He is the author of Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media (2022) and the producer and presenter of the Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech podcast.Clips from the show Fahrenheit 451 (1966)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaLJ10v4xUAJohn Perry Barlow, The Declaration of Independence of Cyberspace (1996) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WS9DhSIWR0&t=210sApple Mac: 1984 (1984) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIE-5hg7FoAJacob Mchangama, A Global History of Free Speech (2022) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc3tP2yFJ2EJack Dorsey interview with WIRED's Nicholas Thompson (2018) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9z8924QJl0&t=11sThe History of the Future podcast is co-created and co-hosted by Mark Little and Ellie Payne and produced by Patrick Haughey of AudioBrand. The Schuler Democracy Forum is an initiative of the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute, Trinity College Dublin. The Forum is generously supported by Dr Beate Schuler. For more information, see:https://www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub/Schuler-Democracy-Forum.php
On November 4th this year Maxim Institute, in partnership with the Free Speech Union, hosted international human-rights advocate and free speech expert Jacob Mchangama. Jacob is the founder of the Justitia institute, the Copenhagen-based human rights think-tank. Having written and narrated the podcast Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech and authored Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media, Jacob is a prominent and experienced figure in the free speech space. In this presentation, Jacob offers some historical context to our current free-speech climate, outlining some of the dangers he sees in limiting free speech and responding to questions from the audience. We are pleased to present this recording of the event to you; we hope that you will find it insightful, instructive, and challenging.
Jacob Mchangama is human rights lawyer in Denmark. He is the founder and executive director of Justitia, a think tank which aims to promote the rule of law and fundamental human rights and freedom rights both within Denmark and abroad by educating and influencing policy experts, decision-makers, and the public. From 2018-2020, Jacob hosted a podcast, “Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech.” He is the author of “Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media” published by Basic Books in 2022. In today's episode he sits down for a wide ranging conversation on free speech with Steve McGuire, ACTA's Paul and Karen Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom.
This event was held on 17 March 2022 hosted by the Academy of Ideas and the Free Speech Union: academyofideas.org.uk/event/free-speech-a-global-history-from-socrates-to-social-media/ Free speech is often hailed as the ‘first freedom' and the bedrock of democracy. Free exchange of ideas underlies all intellectual achievement and has enabled the advancement of both freedom and equality worldwide. But free speech is also a challenging and even contentious principle that today is often considered to be under threat. In his new book, Free Speech: A Global History from Socrates to Social Media, Jacob Mchangama traces the fluctuating history of this idea, arguing that it is not enough to have free speech legally enshrined – it has to be culturally accepted too. While the desire to restrict speech has been a constant, what are the threats from free-speech sceptics that we should worry about most today and how have they come to be? At a time when ideas, language and even history itself are the target of contentious interventions to restrict the free exchange of ideas, what can a wide-ranging historical perspective on free speech offer us in the contemporary battle to speak freely and challenge orthodoxies? LECTURER: Jacob Mchangama lawyer, human rights advocate and former external lecturer in human rights at the University of Copenhagen. He is the founder and director of Justitia, a Copenhagen-based think tank focusing on human rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. His writings have appeared in a wide range of international outlets including The Economist, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, Politico, The Wall Street Journal Europe, El Pais, France24, Deutsche Welle, and Al Jazeera. This book builds on his podcast ‘Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech', which has reached an audience of over 220,000 unique listeners in more than 120 countries across the world. PANELISTS: Dr Joanna Williams director of Cieo; author, Academic Freedom in an Age of Conformity Toby Young general secretary, Free Speech Union CHAIR: Claire Fox director, Academy of Ideas. The discussion will be followed by a wine reception, hosted by Basic Books.
Freedom of speech or expression is a fundamental element of democracy around the globe. Many countries have adopted constitutional laws that protect free speech; it's also recognized as an international human rights law by the United Nations. But (and there's always a but) free speech isn't cut and dry, and interpretation of the not-so-simple right can vary from region to region and during times of social or political unrest. Danish lawyer and human rights advocate Jacob Mchangama has been researching and writing about freedom of expression for well over a decade. In his newest book, Free Speech, he traced the fascinating history of the concept from ancient Athenian principles to the civil rights movement to the digital activists of today. Mchangama, in conversation with C.E. Bick, discussed how — and why — free speech is currently on the retreat in both democracies and authoritarian states worldwide. Mchangama explained how freedom of expression is the basis for intellectual achievements; it keeps propelling us forward, generating new ideas, and advancing freedom and equality worldwide. But, he contended, the limits of free speech are often challenged when new voices or voices of dissent enter the scene. With the relatively new layers of expression added to humankind's repertoire via social media and other digital tools, Mchangama offered a timely and thought-provoking reminder of the role free speech plays as a foundational human right. Jacob Mchangama is the founder and executive director of the Danish think tank Justitia and the host of the podcast Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech. His writing on free speech has appeared in the Economist, the Washington Post, Foreign Policy, and other outlets. He lives in Copenhagen, Denmark. Carolyn Bick is a reporter for the South Seattle Emerald. Their work focuses on police accountability and sheds light on the issues surrounding the City of Seattle's police accountability system. Buy the Book: Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media (Hardcover) from Third Place Books Presented by Town Hall Seattle. To become a member or make a donation click here.
Hailed as the “first freedom,” free speech is one of the bedrocks of democracy. But it is a challenging principle, subject to erosion in times of fear and upheaval. Today, both in democracies and in authoritarian states around the world, it appears to be on the retreat. Jacob Mchangama traces the fascinating legal, political and cultural history of this idea by telling stories of free speech's many defenders—from the ancient Athenian orator Demosthenes and the ninth-century freethinker al-Rāzī, to the anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells and modern-day digital activists. Mchangama describes how the free exchange of ideas underlies all intellectual achievement and has enabled the advancement of both freedom and equality worldwide. Yet the desire to restrict speech is also a constant, and he explores how even its champions can sometimes be led down an authoritarian, restrictive path when the rise of new and contrarian voices challenge power and privilege of all stripes. Mchangama's Free Speech demonstrates how much we have gained from this principle—and how much we stand to lose without it. NOTES MLF: Humanities SPEAKERS Jacob Mchangama Founder and Executive Director, Justitia (Danish think tank); Host, "Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech" Podcast; Author, Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media In Conversation with George Hammond Author, Conversations With Socrates In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on February 16th, 2022 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hailed as the “first freedom,” free speech is one of the bedrocks of democracy. But it is a challenging principle, subject to erosion in times of fear and upheaval. Today, both in democracies and in authoritarian states around the world, it appears to be on the retreat. Jacob Mchangama traces the fascinating legal, political and cultural history of this idea by telling stories of free speech's many defenders—from the ancient Athenian orator Demosthenes and the ninth-century freethinker al-Rāzī, to the anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells and modern-day digital activists. Mchangama describes how the free exchange of ideas underlies all intellectual achievement and has enabled the advancement of both freedom and equality worldwide. Yet the desire to restrict speech is also a constant, and he explores how even its champions can sometimes be led down an authoritarian, restrictive path when the rise of new and contrarian voices challenge power and privilege of all stripes. Mchangama's Free Speech demonstrates how much we have gained from this principle—and how much we stand to lose without it. NOTES MLF: Humanities SPEAKERS Jacob Mchangama Founder and Executive Director, Justitia (Danish think tank); Host, "Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech" Podcast; Author, Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media In Conversation with George Hammond Author, Conversations With Socrates In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently hosting all of our live programming via YouTube live stream. This program was recorded via video conference on February 16th, 2022 by the Commonwealth Club of California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For authoritarian leaders across the globe, the coronavirus emergency presents an opportunity to silence critics and consolidate power. On today’s episode of So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast, host Nico Perrino is joined by international free expression experts Jacob Mchangama and Sarah McLaughlin to discuss how countries like Turkey, Hungary, Egypt, and Thailand are banning “fake news” amidst the pandemic — but, in doing so, are making the crisis worse. Mchangama is the executive director of Justitia, a Copenhagen-based think tank focused on human rights and the rule of law. He is also the host and producer of the podcast Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech. McLaughlin is the director of Targeted Advocacy at FIRE. Show notes: “Coronavirus has started a censorship pandemic” by Jacob Mchangama and Sarah McLaughlin Clear and Present Danger podcast: A conversation with Monika Bickert, Head of Global Policy Management at Facebook Podcast: “The Great Influenza: The story of the deadliest pandemic in history,” a lecture by John M. Barry “Hospitals must let doctors and nurses speak out,” an interview with Nicholas Christakis by Conor Friedersdorf “Responding to ‘Zoombombing’: Best practices for students and faculty” by FIRE’s Alex Morey FIRE statement on protecting academic freedom and freedom of expression in virtual classrooms www.sotospeakpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/freespeechtalk Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotospeakpodcast Email us: sotospeak@thefire.org
On this episode of So to Speak, we chat with lawyer and free speech activist Jacob Mchangama. He is the founder and CEO of the Danish think tank Justitia, a visiting fellow at FIRE, and host of Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech. Mchangama is also the author of the lead essay for the Cato Institute’s June Cato Unbound online debate on the topic of “how censorship crosses borders.” Our conversation focuses on the origins of Mchangama’s interest in free speech issues, the 2005 Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, the history of free speech, and the critiques of his Cato Unbound essay. Show notes: Mchangama’s podcast, Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech June Cato Unbound debate, “Free speech in international perspective” Mchangama’s essays for Cato So to Speak episode with Flemming Rose, who commissioned the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons www.sotospeakpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/freespeechtalk Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/sotospeakpodcast Email us: sotospeak@thefire.orgCall in a question: 215-315-0100
(Recorded May 25th, 2018)A conversation w/ Jacob Mchangama, Host of 'Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech" podcast. (http://www.freespeechhistory.com)- Pronouncing Mchangama- A Bit of Free Speech History- Cartoon Jihad- Panic and Crisis- Culture and Legislation- Filthy Jokes- 'The Great Awokening'- An Abrupt Ending"Jacob Mchangama is the founder and executive director of Justitia a think tank focusing on human rights and a Visiting Scholar at Columbia's Global Freedom of Expression Center. He has commented extensively on free speech and human rights in outlets including the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy. Jacob has published in academic and peer-reviewed journals, including Human Rights Quarterly, Policy Review and Amnesty International's Strategic Studies. He is the author of the critically acclaimed and award-winning book, MEN Ytringsfrihedens Historie i Danmark (BUT: The History of Freedom of Expression in Denmark). He is the author and presenter of the short documentary “Collision: Free speech and religion” (2013). Mr. Mchangama is a 2016 Marshall Memorial Fellow. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his work on free speech and human rights." (from http://www.freespeechhistory.com) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
(Recorded May 25th, 2018)A conversation w/ Jacob Mchangama, Host of 'Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech" podcast. (http://www.freespeechhistory.com)- Pronouncing Mchangama- A Bit of Free Speech History- Cartoon Jihad- Panic and Crisis- Culture and Legislation- Filthy Jokes- 'The Great Awokening'- An Abrupt Ending"Jacob Mchangama is the founder and executive director of Justitia a think tank focusing on human rights and a Visiting Scholar at Columbia's Global Freedom of Expression Center. He has commented extensively on free speech and human rights in outlets including the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy. Jacob has published in academic and peer-reviewed journals, including Human Rights Quarterly, Policy Review and Amnesty International's Strategic Studies. He is the author of the critically acclaimed and award-winning book, MEN Ytringsfrihedens Historie i Danmark (BUT: The History of Freedom of Expression in Denmark). He is the author and presenter of the short documentary “Collision: Free speech and religion” (2013). Mr. Mchangama is a 2016 Marshall Memorial Fellow. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his work on free speech and human rights." (from http://www.freespeechhistory.com) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Why did the medieval Abbasid Caliphs have almost all ancient Greek works of philosophy and science translated into Arabic? How did the long list of medieval Muslim polymaths reconcile abstract reasoning with Islamic doctrine? Who were the radical freethinkers that rejected revealed religion in favor of reason in a society where apostasy and heresy were punishable by death? And why are developments in the 11th century crucial to understanding modern controversies over blasphemy and apostasy, such as the Salman Rushdie affair and the attack on Charlie Hebdo? Find out in episode 5 of Clear and Present Danger – A History of Free Speech: The Caliphate. Stay up to date with Clear and Present Danger on the show’s Facebook and Twitter pages, or visit the podcast’s website at freespeechhistory.com.
Why did the polytheist Ancient Romans persecute the followers of the new Jewish sect of “Christians” in the first three centuries AD”? How high was the price that Christians had to pay for casting away their ancient religious traditions for the belief in salvation through Jesus Christ? Did Roman Emperor Constantine end religious intolerance with the Edict of Milan? And why did the Christians persecute the pagans – and each other – once Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire? Why were temples and libraries destroyed and the female mathematician Hypatia killed by violent mobs? And did Emperor Justinian really end antiquity when he closed the Academy in Athens? Find out when we discover how religious persecution and violence impacted lives, learning, and liberty of conscience in the period from the trial of Jesus to the age of Justinian. The Age of Persecution. That’s episode 3 of Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech. Stay up to date with Clear and Present Danger on the show’s Facebook and Twitter pages, or visit the podcast’s website at freespeechhistory.com.
Rome was the most powerful empire in antiquity. But were the Romans free to speak truth to power? Did history’s first successful Women’s March take place in Rome? And who came out on top when the words of Cicero clashed with the ambition of Caesar and armies of Octavian? Why did historians and astrologers become endangered species when the Republic became an empire? Find out in episode 2 of “Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech”. Stay up to date with Clear and Present Danger on the show’s Facebook and Twitter pages, or visit the podcast’s website at freespeechhistory.com.
Has the history of how our constitutional rights came to be protected on campus been forgotten? Professor Randall L. Kennedy believes it has. It’s a history even he wasn’t familiar with until recently. On this episode of So to Speak, Professor Kennedy explains how civil rights activists in the 1950s and 60s secured early victories for free speech, due process, and public assembly on high school and college campuses. Professor Kennedy teaches courses on contracts, criminal law, and the regulation of race relations at Harvard Law School, and he is the author of “The Forgotten Origins of the Constitution on Campus.” Prior to arriving at Harvard, he was a law clerk for Justice Thurgood Marshall at the United States Supreme Court. BONUS: Check out and subscribe to the new FIRE-sponsored podcast, Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech. www.sotospeakpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/freespeechtalk Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/sotospeakpodcast Email us: sotospeak@thefire.org Call in a question: 215-315-0100