Freedom of Speech and Expression on the Internet

This paper explores the legal basis for the implementation of the freedom of speech on the Internet in Russia: the regulation and restriction of freedom of speech in Russia and at the international level – in accordance with the European Convention for the protection of human rights. The objectives: - definition of the right to information and the concept of freedom of speech on the Internet, defining their relations; - consideration of restriction of freedom of speech on the Internet in accordance with the international standards; - consideration of certain problems in court practice of the ECHR; - analysis of the legal status of the mass media, bloggers and social online networks in terms of restricting freedom of expression. Diploma consists of introduction, 2 chapters, 5 sections, conclusion and bibliography list. Chapter I discusses the legal basis for the implementation of the freedom of speech on the Internet and its restriction in accordance with international standards. Chapter II examines the basis of legal provisions of media, bloggers and the social online networks in Russian Federation. On the basis of the analysis made the following conclusions: firstly, due to the global nature of the Internet it is necessary to consider three levels of functioning and regulation: international, national and the level of network communities. Secondly, today the dissemination of information in the network should be as free as possible, limited only to those situations when it can lead to violation of anyone's rights. Thirdly, by limiting freedom of speech on the Internet must respect a fair balance between individual rights and state interests. Fourthly, there is a huge difference in the regulation of the mass media, bloggers and social networks. However, at this point in the Russia there is a tendency of equating them and often the regulation of bloggers, social networking are based on the wrong criteria and reasons.