Freedom of expression on the internet

Myth or fact?

Your right to freedom of expression set out in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms applies in your dealings with everyone.

Freedom of expression is a front burner issue around the world. In Canada, your right to free expression is explicitly protected in relation to your dealings with government entities. Between individuals, things are a little murkier. Learn about freedom of expression rights and how they can play out on the internet.

What you should know

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Reviewed for legal accuracy by

Courtenay Catlin, Alexander Holburn; Kimberley Knapp, Retired lawyer; and Sarah Khan, KC, Office of the Human Rights Commissioner

Courtenay Catlin
Kimberley Knapp
Sarah Khan, KC

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This website explains in a general way the law that applies in British Columbia, Canada. The information is not intended as legal advice. The cases we refer to reflect real experiences, but names have been changed. See our full disclaimer.

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We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.