Why Policymakers Should Protect Free Speech Online
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016 -
3:30 PM TO 5:00 PM EDT
2253 Rayburn House Office Building
45 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20515
Event Summary:
Every day, Internet users generate millions of new posts on blogs, social networks, and e-commerce platforms to share their opinions and feedback with others. However, some individuals have found their rights under assault as they are threatened with meritless lawsuits introduced for the sole purpose of silencing their voices. This type of lawsuit, known as a strategic lawsuit against public participation, or a SLAPP, can have adverse effects on free speech, intimidating users from posting negative reviews or sharing critical feedback, and creating a negative impact on markets as consumers have less information to make informed choices. While there is a patchwork of states that have legal protections against these lawsuits, there is still no federal baseline level of protection for citizens’ basic rights of petition and free expression online. Mounting a defense against this type of lawsuit can be expensive, and without creating additional protections, consumers who are dissatisfied with merchants or reporters who speak out against those in power may soon find that free speech is more a luxury than a right.
Please join ITIF for a panel discussion on how policymakers can protect public discourse and civic participation, while not deterring parties from filing legitimate lawsuits.
Representative Blake Farenthold (R-TX), cosponsor of the bipartisan Securing Participation, Engagement, and Knowledge Freedom by Reducing Egregious Efforts (SPEAK FREE) Act of 2015, will make opening remarks.
Refreshments will be served.
The event is free and open to the public. A recording will be available following the event. Follow @ITIFdc(link is external) during the event and join the conversation using #AntiSLAPP(link is external).
When:
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016 –
3:30 PM TO 5:00 PM
Where:
2253 Rayburn House Office Building
45 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20515
Featuring:
• Mike Godwin, R Street Institute
• Rep. Blake Farenthold, U.S. Congress
• Laurent Crenshaw, Yelp
• Kevin Goldberg, Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth
• Michael Hayes, Consumer Technology Association
• Evan Mascagni, Public Participation Project
• Daniel Castro, ITIF (Moderator)