Freedom of expression, hate speech and constitutional limits: the protection of honor and image on social networks and the role of the supreme Federal court
Freedom of expression, hate speech and constitutional limits: the protection of honor and image on social networks and the role of the supreme Federal court
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i2.2025.1607Keywords:
Freedom of expression; hate speech; Constitutional limits; protection of honor/image; social networks; Supreme Federal Court.Abstract
This article aims to analyze the relationship between freedom of expression and social responsibility within the context of the Brazilian Democratic State of Law, highlighting the role of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in protecting fundamental rights. The research seeks to understand how the Constitutional Court balances the exercise of freedom of expression with the safeguarding of honor, image, and human dignity, especially considering the advancement of digital technologies and the intensification of hate speech on social media. It is observed that, although freedom of expression is an essential pillar of democracy and an instrument of civic participation, it is not an absolute right and must be exercised within constitutional and ethical limits that ensure harmonious social coexistence. The STF’s role proves crucial in defining these boundaries by weighing freedom of thought against protection from communicative abuses such as the spread of fake news and attacks on democratic institutions. The study also highlights that political polarization and the lack of adequate accountability reinforce anti-democratic practices, making it necessary for the State, civil society, and digital platforms to work together to promote a responsible exercise of freedom of expression, committed to pluralism, truth, and the strengthening of Brazilian democracy.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Clara Záu da Silva Leão, Ana Júlia Pires de Souza, Paulo Eduardo Queiroz da Costa (Autor)
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