Recently I became the subject of highly fictional and defamatory comments relating mostly to my profession, published by an anonymous online blogger.
The reason I became the subject of such an attack was because I had publicly defended and declared my support for Serge Benhayon, Universal Medicine and my fellow students – themselves the subject of unwarranted attacks by the media, including numerous false accusations that Universal Medicine is a cult
As noted on our government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship website, all Australians are entitled to five fundamental freedoms: of speech, association, assembly, religion, and movement. The first of these supports the notion that all individuals have the right to speak freely on any issue. There are, however, clear parameters for doing so. The following passage on freedom of speech, from the five freedoms web page, clarifies this distinction. Here is the first part:
‘Australians are free, within the bounds of the law, to say or write what we think privately or publicly, about the government, or about any topic. We do not censor the media and may criticise the government without fear of arrest.’
So far, so good. The rights of all bloggers to say or write what they think are clearly upheld in this definition; it’s what’s enabling me to comment here. But note the second part of the passage (bolding is mine):
‘Free speech comes from facts, not rumours, and the intention must be constructive, not to do harm. There are laws to protect a person’s good name and integrity against false information. There are laws against saying or writing things to incite hatred against others because of their culture, ethnicity or background. Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others.’
The blogger/s who saw fit to attack me in an entirely false and defamatory fashion have clearly done harm. However, by hiding behind a cloak of anonymity, the person or persons responsible are free to evade prosecution.
We need to lobby our leaders and law-makers to take a stand against such activity by outlawing cyber-bullying immediately. If we can’t identify and pursue the abusers, we should at least be able to have harmful and defamatory material rapidly removed from the offending sites.
Meanwhile, I can only wonder at the nature of the individuals who express in such a way. By remaining nameless, they either demonstrate they lack the courage of their convictions or have a seasoned understanding of the law – or both.
By Victoria Lister, Brisbane, Australia
See also: David Millikan: Ignores Fundamental Rights of Religious Freedom in Australia
The Truth about Universal Medicine 
To remain anonymous is their own lack of commitment to been heard and seen as a true member of society. It’s the false sense of conviction and a somewhat short lived relief that then becomes an addiction knowing you can get away with it.
As the media, politics and religious organisations are continually showing, they are but puppets for those who want to stay in control. So, as is portrayed in the latest Robin Hood movie produced by Otto Bathurst, we need to come together to make any changes, and even then we have to make sure all the old ways are exposed at every level for the greed and corruption that is obviously rife.
I very much agree with you Victoria. It is very easy to demand our freedom of something but it always comes back to the quality we choose to do things in that is the qualifying and important factor.
We are very clear on our rights to free speech, but less so as a society on the responsibility that comes with those rights. Not to do harm, not to incite, for we need to remember that words are powerful and have impact. The pen is indeed mightier than the sword.
Considering how our laws are so open to reinterpretation depending on the case for either side and as abuse is abusive in so many levels maybe the legal system and humanity need to sharpen their pencils with an honesty sharpener.
It is great to have freedom of speech, if you think about it, it actually gives permission for us to get a deeper understanding of everything. We are by law allowed to express our feelings and concerns. We can discuss topics and get to the bottom of societal issues, learn about other’s views and perhaps change our own. What a gift, hey! But to turn it into a hate-campaign to abuse a group of human beings is not that, it is the complete opposite of that and the intent the law of freedom of speech comes from.
Could it be that the whole world is got so many things up-side-down or the opposite that they are convinced they simply follow what is so called natural? When the Truth is staring you in the face if you are numb and denatured by a way of living that keeps you in the dark then you only see the darkness.
‘Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others.’ Exactly and yet right now across the world freedom of speech is seen as an absolute right without any consideration of context or of the harm that it engenders to our public spaces … we cannot continue this way, it’s abuse and ultimately we will need to call out and stop abuse, including the abuse of freedom of speech.
It is time the laws caught up with the universal mediums that can spread lies across the planet in seconds. This, or what we have now will never pass as freedom of speech, but we are given the right to abuse in many ways without a shred of decency and respect shown.
Thank you Victoria firstly for speaking up to support Serge Benhayon and the students of Universal Medicine, and secondly for sharing the truth about Freedom of Speech. We definitely need laws that support people against anonymous defamatory attacks and cyber abuse in general.
Anonymity suggests that these people lack the courage of their convictions, shaky and unfounded as they are are to begin with.
The second paragraph clearly outlines that you cannot say something about someone that will harm them which should be followed through. Those anonymous sources that are not anonymous anymore should with this second paragraph easily be put to account for what they do to others.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to abuse, yet we seem to allow and permit varying levels of abuse to be a standard way of interacting with one another. I agree that we need to arrest this loveless way a being, be held accountable for the harm intended and correct the wrong doing as is it does not in any way honour, respect or support us a humanity to freely live and learn from each other in order to evolve. Otherwise the foundation upon which we develop is seeded in abuse, corruption and total separation.
We live in a world of free will. We all have the right to harm him/herself or not. Those who are very fluent in the art of harming themselves tend to be very fluent in the art of harming others as well. It is particularly infuriating for them when someone claims they do not want to belong to that club any longer.
Infuriating indeed, a mirror to look into that they do not care for, much less appreciate.
Freedom of speech does not give one a license to lie… that is called abuse.
Amazing we are needing more and more laws and legislations in place to tell us how to be with each other. Internet is a great invention, but it seems that we are actually not evolved enough and very much left behind by this technological advancement and do not have the level of decency and integrity to utilise its merit.
The desire to hurt or defame another is not a natural state of being. It is a perversion of who and what we are. Our nature is to unite, to live in harmony with one another – and so when such a desire manifests, it is a reflection of something that we have created ourselves, not something innate in us. Any person who seeks to anonymously abuse and defame another is revealing themselves as deeply hurt. Only when we learn to heal such hurts will such behaviour change.
Beautifully and wisely said and exposed Richard. Living any degree less that love is abuse and ‘is a perversion of who and what we are.’ We are responsible for the quality in which we live and express, as we are responsible for the unhealed hurts we hold onto. As such we really cannot hide the vibration we are willingly aligning to. So, the more we deepen our relationship and understanding of what love really is, who we truly are, the more we can feel how any degree of lovelessness is intolerable, as it does not fit into our innate way of being.
“Free speech comes from facts, not rumours, and the intention must be constructive, not to do harm.” Yes we have taken the word Free Speech as a right to say whatever we want regardless of whether it is true or factual While the laws need to change to keep up with the hate crime that is on the internet, we also need to change our stance on what is common decency towards another fellow human being.
I feel that if someone hides behind anonymity to attack/bully others, they know that what they write is untrue, and web hosts should remove publications that are written anonymously in this way, because they too equally have a duty of care.
“Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others.” – why would we even need an excuse to harm others. What is wrong with us that we would even consider harming ourselves or any others?
What we do online as apposed to what goes on offline can be poles apart. It’s not that the behaviours are necessarily different it’s just the way we police them and the way the law sees them are different. There is a part for us all to play in how we conduct and view the online landscape. This will support to bring forward laws that have us responsible for what we do on what is a very very public space. We all need to play a part and some of us that can see our part will need to keep actioning it to support us all. It’s very much a watch this space because this is a problem that is only just being seen partly for what it is.
This has all got to change . . . you are so right about this Victoria and it will be us who instigate the change for we are speaking up in numbers saying how it really is . . . and we will not be silenced by some gutless nameless bullies.
When we consider the idea of freedom of speech it is always related to the people as members of a wider community. Hence, we associate with the public sphere. Yet, the problem is that when people speak they bring to the public sphere what they are living in their private one. People speak from their bodies and how they speak and what they say is a mere reflection of how settled or not they feel in their own bodies. It is pretty clear that trolls are people who suffer from a profound unsettlement. When you are settled and feel comfortable in your own body, there are things you would not say. They will not come to you. Yet, if you feel unsettled your body will be able to say things that a settled-in body would not. It is exactly the same as what happens in schools. When people are connected to themselves and settled in their bodies, there are things they would not do (e.g., bullying others, disturbing the classmates, etc)… Yet, if this is not the case, we know as a fact that we can expect whatever from them. They cannot contain the malaise they feel into their own bodies. So, they ‘generously’ share it with the class. Same same.
Very true Eduardo, it seems it is easier to throw mud that to extract oneself from it. While ever we are separated from the connection with ourselves we will never know what harmlessness is in truth.
The abuse of people by on line bloggers is rampant and it seems no change to these unlawful acts has as yet happened as the Government, the laws of the land, need updating to address this situation. Free speech is to do no harm first and foremost not to lie about and degrade another person.
“Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others” Universal Medicine presents that the energy of malicious thoughts is harmful to the harmony of the world we all live in, so defamatory lies and abuse on the Internet or anywhere and the emotion of reactions are harmful to us all.
Solid article, I am all for the laws on cyber abuse changing, as they currently do not reflect the modern age we live in. Peoples shop fronts are no longer only on the street. Shoppers and the general public are now informed by what they read on the internet and they rely on this before making decisions. If they like what they see online, then maybe they will visit the place or shop in person. As a society if we allow abuse online to take place without cause or effect, what kind on environment will our kids grow up in? We need to lay the ground work now, so hopefully we can make the internet is a safer place for our children. Universal Medicine aside, we are talking about peoples lives, people’s businesses and they are at stake.
Until we all learn to speak to others with Love, care, wisdom and support, always, there will be bullying in all it’s forms, as the most fundamental basic of human interaction, to do no harm, is not honoured until this is the only focus.
Too often it is a lone voice saying no that stirs the comfort and slumber of others, and that means there is a push back and abuse hurled in their direction, but it still needs to be said.
It is with a great level of humility that I have stopped behaviors that were causing harm to others. It is not easy to own my mistakes, but when I do coming out the other side I always feel lighter and more loving and aware of how I choose to behave in life, which allows me to make some very big changes. So the question I ask is does our government have the ability to look closely at what has been allowed on our internet, and humbly accept that they have dropped the ball in relation to protecting the natural, lawful rights of the citizens that elect it.
There is no hiding in the world of energy and as such anonymity is simply a beacon that alerts others to the fact that such a person is refusing to take responsibility for the quality of that which they express and so they seek to hide where they cannot be hidden and thus become not only a menace to society but also incredibly imprisoned in a mind-set that has them thinking that their actions cannot be seen and deep in the illusion that they can somehow be ‘getting away with it all’. Our laws may not yet have caught up with dealing with such tyrants but we are all bound by Universal Law that ensures we can never escape the very much needed corrections that are put in place to bring us back to the love that we are.
Well said Victoria. We live in a day and age where defamatory comments can spread like viruses to all reaches of the globe. It has never been more important to have enforceable laws in place to identify anonymous bullies and hold them to account for their actions.
I only can absolutely agree Victoria and love your clear words against cyberbullying. Each of us has to say NO to it otherwise this abuse will have more victims including people who will commit suicide.
If there are ‘laws to protect a person’s good name and integrity against false information’ and ‘there are laws against saying or writing things to incite hatred against others because of their culture, ethnicity or background’ are they being enforced by our governing bodies with the necessary integrity and respect for those they were developed to honour by reprimanding or punishing those that breach these laws? Or, are they just lip service?
I agree Victoria this needs to be reminded to all concerned and backed with the correct enforcement. Many people are being extremely harmed and some committing suicide. It is harsh world we have created. It’s best we all are a part of change and not leave it to another.
I very much love that we have such a clear statement of integrity underpinning our expression on the internet. What I find abominable is that it is not honoured and upheld.
I agree Leigh. The integrity this statement speaks of needs to be upheld by each and every one of us.
Freedom of speech is not just about us speaking but about the consideration of what we say and how it impacts the all, in other words, we must do no harm. And we have this well taken care of offline but not so online, as it appears that people who would not dare say anything to someone to their face will often do so online anonymously, without consideration or maybe even deliberately. We really need to understand there is no difference between offline and online and act accordingly.
Well said Victoria. I have seen recently really decent people say the most awful things about someone they essentially don’t know because of their religious beliefs. This is not freedom of speech at all. It is clear and utter abuse and supremacy as well. This highlights to me how important it is that we express out truth, without abusing anyone in any way and without reacting to the often very unkind comments that can get hurled. We are heading down a slippery slope that we have seen in our most recent pasts and knowing who we are and standing true in that is our greatest ally.
I feel that there are so many laws that are needing to be updated in light of the era of technology that we are in today, where there are so many instances of faceless and nameless individuals taking advantage of their anonymity to abuse others, as you have personally experienced Victoria. And as you say so wisely “Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others.”, so there must be consequences for the despicable actions that this small section of humanity are choosing to take.
Until we get to the heart of the matter and realise that underneath the abusive words are deeply hurt people, we will inevitably still encounter abuse. What we express and how we express is very revealing of the relationship we have with ourselves. Rules and laws are very necessary – but healing our hurts is what will truly change how we relate to each other.
‘There are laws to protect a person’s good name and integrity against false information. There are laws against saying or writing things to incite hatred against others because of their culture, ethnicity or background. Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others.’ It’s well and good to have words like this in our laws but are these laws been truly enforced in this modern day age or are they just as empty as some of the defamatory comments too many are presently getting away with making on the worldwide web.
When fundamental freedoms are not treasured and protected as they deserve to be, you invite fundamentalism to step in. This enormous irresponsibility lies mainly on state authorities.
When the constitutional spirit is not honoured by the authorities, its real value is zero. Such a thing only encourages encroaching/abusive behaviours.
Using freedom of speech in a way that is contrary to what is so clearly written in the five freedoms web page is utter abuse. Hiding behind anonymity to do so is a clear reflection of the dishonesty and cowardice of who did it. Adding all up, it is clear that the value of each and every word written in that spirit is null.
It’s interesting that whilst there are laws in place to curb online behaviour, since the onset of cyber bullying there have only been 2 convictions, showing that the laws need to be made more specific and their enforcement seriously needs to be addressed…. not doing so is allowing much harm to be spread without recourse and worse, it is so prolific that it is considered somewhat normal or expected.
Really interesting to read what you have shared Victoria as I can see not only does this level of abuse and bullying occur online but frequently in workplaces all under the guise of freedom of speech. I feel many do not truly consider the impact of what they say, print or publish online about others but what you share as is written on the five freedoms web page is powerful ‘Free speech comes from facts, not rumours, and the intention must be constructive, not to do harm. ‘ This statement may well have more impact on actions if, as you share, it were more greatly supported by government in the form of laws that could be enacted to remove such untruths. I feel the more we each speak out against such occurrences of bullying wherever we see them the more likely the chance there will be of such acts being created. I for one am ready to stand up for truth.
Hiding behind the cloak of anonymity for the sake of being able to spread defamatory and harmful words demonstrates the anonymous writers true intention to mislead the public and is an obvious abuse of what freedom of speech stands for. I agree it is time the law stepped in and took a stand to prevent such activity by outlawing cyber-bullying.
Laws need to change; they need to catch up in our modern era where spears can be thrown over the world wide web.
You raise some great points Victoria about the freedom of speech ‘but first do no harm’. The doing no harm is crucial to us as a society to respect and accept another’s choices no matter what. Since when is it ok to cyber bully another under the clock of anonymity and never be held accountable for your harmful actions. Time for those in power to address this issue and change the laws.
I wholeheartedly agree Victoria with what you have shared from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Five Freedoms. Hate speech is not ok, and needs to be legislated against. Addressing hate speech online also needs immediate attention from the government, as the harm is devastating and has resulted in suicides.
“The blogger/s who saw fit to attack me in an entirely false and defamatory fashion have clearly done harm. However, by hiding behind a cloak of anonymity, the person or persons responsible are free to evade prosecution.” Such bullies should be tracked and prosecuted – not impossible in this day and age. Social media sites do little to protect their customers even now three years on. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to abuse.
The cloak of anonymity does not extend to the media who repeat and spread the cyber-abuse over their pages in the full knowledge that they have made no investigation into the source of the abuse or, even worse, to magnify the abuse in the full knowledge that it is untrue and harmful. The powers of government regulations should take action against such abusive activity and not leave it to the individual or group that is the target of such abuse.
The cloak of anonymity is the key for any online cyber abuse. To not be known, to be invisible and above all to see it as another world we can express in that is seemingly separated from real life reality are the founding back bone principles that give online abusers the seeming freedom in their eyes to do say and express anything and everything they like. It is not a separation and it certainly is not a playground when the real impact of this abuse is truly considered. See http://www.allrisesaynotocyberabuse.com
Victoria this is great what you share here on freedom of speech. Cyber bullies who hide under the cloak of anonymity are cowards who intent is to harm and bully innocent people. The laws need to changes to protect citizens from being targeted and attacked in this brutal way.
Victoria this is such a succinct and clear article that states the facts of our rights in regards to speech, but it would seem these rights are currently not being upheld. In an age in which technology and social media are rapidly changing it would seem appropriate that laws be in place to protect these basic human rights in being upheld. It feels time the law caught up!
Thank you for sharing the passage on freedom of speech, however such a right is only great when in practice. The laws do indeed need to catch up with the times as the harm caused from the abuse of this freedom is prolific.
Well said Victoria. “Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others.” Cyber abuse is a crime and those who indulge in cyber abuse should be made to take responsibility for their criminal activity.
Thanks for presenting this one Victoria. So many times the ‘freedom of speech’ card has been used to back up someone being derogatory and harmful. Now it’s great to know that there is actually a line in the mud when it comes to free speech….It makes sense to outline that it is not an excuse to harm others- a lot more people need to read this part. Clearly a lot of people are overstepping the boundary with this one yet nothing is happening about it.
The fact that these people use anonymity to hide behind says a lot about their personal integrity as well as the courage in their convictions, however there needs to be tighter control over cyber-bullying to safe guard against this type of abuse.
Victoria, I could not agree more with what you have written above – the first do no harm principle is KEY! But what shocks me is that this article has been written 2 and 1/2 years ago and it seems like nothing as yet has changed in the Australian laws! What is going on – how much damage do we have to witness in this world and how many people need to get hurt before the authorities step in to take action and offer real support?
For now all we can do is keep calling out such awful behaviour, and keep declaring how out of line and harming it is. Thank you Victoria for your ever so valuable words and your inspirations and research on the freedom to express with no harm.
The truth is naturally transparent and so easy to see when you live it. Not so the lies, which seek to obscure, distort and configure your every move to not see what is right before you. Such laws would serve as a leading light to those lost in the swap of deceit.
So true aphraskye and Victoria. And why has the Internet become a dumping ground for our emotional toxins? Could it be because it signifies that people are desperate – they have sensed there is some ‘foreign material’ in their body (everything that is not the love that we are so naturally made of) and they want it OUT. Rather than see the hurt and deal with it, they seek retribution and revenge, someone to blame. It is a misguided maneuver to rid the body of what can’t be rid of until full responsibility is taken for putting the poison there in the first place. If we upheld the ‘first do no harm’ principle taught as far back as Ancient Greece, we wouldn’t be in the mess we are in now.
And there it is, straight from the horse’s mouth (so to speak) a message from the Australian Government: ‘Free speech comes from facts, not rumours, and the intention must be constructive, not to do harm.’ If each one of us were able to live this in our daily lives we would have no need to uphold ‘peace’ as an age old harmony amongst all living creatures here on Earth would prevail instead of the push and the shove and the righteous might we now have where one person can hold themselves superior/inferior to another.
Collectively we have a bad habit of indulging in hearsay, forming rapid and emotionally loaded judgments and opinions and then showering our fellow people with a poison that comes laced with the might of supremacy. We abhor these acts when they come in obvious forms of genocides, massacres, murders and the like yet we turn a blind eye to the slow trickle of poison that we are each responsible for allowing when we cause harm to another under the banner of ‘free speech’. It is part of the ‘anything in moderation’ argument in that the slow trickle of poison seems to be justifiable as opposed to one massive hit of it. Personally I would rather have it hit in its full dose so that it is easier to see, and I know what I am dealing with rather that allow the insidious trickle of the same substance go undetected. We are deep in an illusion here. Thankyou Victoria for helping shed some light on this very dark matter – for when we are able to see the evil at play, its hold over us is diminished and we are then truly free to speak.
Yes, it is a good thing, but little known, I’m afraid and possibly, even less enforced.
Pondering further, the interesting thing also is that this page is now attached to the Australian government’s immigration website. So, whilst new arrivals to this country might be well-informed of these fundamental freedoms, long-term residents may not. There’s a case for taking this understanding further a field. How many of us know to first do no harm when we speak?
Great Victoria that you clarify the Australian law on freedom of speech and the responsibility that goes with it. It is also said in the International Declaration of Human Rights that “no one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.” This means that the “new” cyber crimes have to be defined urgently as such and be acted on as the same Human Rights Declaration states that nobody has the right “to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.”
Awesome Rachel, and I agree. There is clearly no space for hateful / harmful speech anywhere, and that includes online. For some reason we write-off the vile behaviours that occur there when the reality is, if half of what was said online was said in the street, there’d be a lot of people held far more accountable than they currently are for their attacks on others.
I’m guessing when enough people recognise this abuse for what it is and ensure the change that needs to happen actually does come about. I know for myself I’ve turned a blind eye or a taken a ‘too hard’ stance to abuse in all its forms – and this has been commensurate with the abuse I’ve accepted either towards or within myself, from the obvious (like choosing harmful relationships) to the subtle (taking those extra mouthfuls).
When you think about it, it is sad – and shocking. Actually making up lies about people and publicly broadcasting them as ‘truth’ is beyond malicious and irresponsible, particularly when the organisation and people so targeted are actually doing something wonderful and useful in the world. I can only think jealousy is at the root of all of this.
I think what you say re legislation is part of the problem Anna. We do have these principles but a great portion of the world doesn’t recognise them and even in those countries that do, a great many there don’t abide by them. What’s more, in this country at least, only a few are actually policed and these seem to be related mainly to discrimination in employment (racism, sexism, ageism, sexual preference). But as you say we can all feel the truth so we just have to be our own best legislators.
It feels like there is more research to be done here Gayle – at the practical level. The area of human rights seems to exist largely as high level concepts at this stage. How can we make them real?
Yes, thinking we have licence to say and do as we please without considering anyone or anything is erroneous thinking for sure.
Interestingly (sadly?) I just tested the link to the five freedoms page and it’s no longer there…
No one, it seems. We need to urge the law to catch up with the reality of online abuse as soon as possible – for all individuals, regardless of age. It’s not only children who are subject to online abuse.
Thank you Victoria for clarifying not only Australians rights to free speech but also the responsibility that also comes with it and as they so clearly state ‘Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others’. With that in mind it is amazing that there is still no redress for someone in your situation because it is crystal clear that the intention of those hiding behind anonymity was to do harm so therefore they have violated their right to free speech and should be held accountable.
It would be great if governments and legislation were prepared to pursue abusers on these grounds. However, in this country at least, they don’t – unless you want to pay for it privately via a defamation suit (expensive and time consuming). But as you say the intention was crystal clear and at least we’re bringing the truth of the matter to light here, in a public space.
‘Freedom of Speech? Absolutely – But First Do No Harm!’ Very well said. I totally agree with you Victoria in all that you have expressed in your article.
The ‘first do no harm’ part is critical, isn’t it? So many people think freedom of speech = “I can say what the hell I like”. Unfortunately I don’t know if the ‘first do no harm’ part is universally known and quoted let alone understood or lived. Though in truth we all know this fundamental truth. Pretending we don’t and saying ‘what the hell I like’ ensures hell it is.
If one can freely speak what they think, as most know this to be, why then does one choose to do so without their own name – it begs only the question, what is it that is hidden from what has been said? It is only when truth has been omitted that there is reason to hide.
Thanks Victoria it’s really interesting to read those passages on freedom of speech in Australia. Clearly there are many who have no regard for what freedom of speech is in truth and instead do actually use this phrase as an excuse to harm others. Abuse such as you have received is absolutely not ok and we need simpler laws to help tackle it, alongside social media platforms and host sites being more aware and responsive to abusive content by removing it.
I agree Fiona – actually any laws would be a great start. Well, we do have defamation laws, but few can afford to pay the legal costs to utilise these. Making the publishers/providers part of the accountability picture would certainly help, but still would not address the people who are actually responsible. We seem to be a long way off the effective policing of this area.
‘Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others.’
Thank you Victoria for making it so clear what freedom of speech is as it has become so common in our society to use freedom of speech as freedom to abuse.
Yes, it’s gone too far the other way. In some countries, there are definite incursions on the right to free speech, but certainly not in Australia. Here, and in other democracies, it’s been interpreted as ‘the right to say anything I damn well like and too bad if you don’t like it’.
Two years on and now we actually do know the identity of the main protagonists: one might hope real dialogue was possible but not so – they seem more entrenched than ever in their positions.
You’re absolutely right Victoria, allowing these behaviours to go unchecked is silently condoning them… which makes a mockery of the notion of responsible freedom of speech.
Hear, hear ‘fellow’ Victoria. And I love that you have brought the word ‘responsibility’ into the picture – also no rocket science, as we know in full what this truly means.
Awesome comments Toni, particularly your last. But it is also worth exploring the culpability of those who own the sites where cyber abuse occurs: why on earth would you agree to the ongoing hosting of sites where lies, foul language and defamatory garbage proliferate? If I owned a business would I tolerate or indeed sanctify such rot even for a second? No.
That’s a really good idea Dragana. Two years on, we do now know the identity of a least three of the individuals behind the cyber abuse (see http://universalmedicinefacts.com) – and yes, it’s still continuing unabated if not ramped up – so it would be interesting to approach the AHRC in this light.
I’m not an expert, and you’d think it would be incumbent on anyone living in a country in which human rights are upheld not to do anything counter to them, but I’m not sure exactly how enforceable these principles are. From what I understand, there is at this stage little one can do when it comes to cyber abuse unless there is a direct threat of physical harm. This is what needs to change: cyber abuse is emotionally and psychologically damaging… impacts that can of course lead to physical harm. We have seen individuals young and old self-harm and suicide as a result of the cyber abuse they have experienced.
It does seem we are dealing with a many-headed beast… We can start to change this by voting with our wallets – by not buying, and buying into, media and websites with a biased agenda, and by speaking up and out about that which is not right.
You’re right – it’s an echoing of the Hippocratic oath doctors take when they agree to practice medicine. A guiding principle for life really: first do no harm.
It does seem incredible that this can happen without recourse. We will have to let our governments know we want proper policing of our virtual spaces.
Yes – and governments internationally also.
I agree. The need to hide says they’re none too proud of what it is they’re saying and doing.
Yes, and we are thankfully seeing the seeds of this in Australia with activity around protecting children online. However legislation in this area needs to include adults too for we are no less impacted. Interesting how we will step up to protect our children from bullying but not ourselves. What is this saying about what we are prepared to accept?
Yes indeed Nicola and the sooner the better. Two years on though it’s interesting to see how the cyber-trolls who are stalking the likes of many of us on this portal, are – even when their identities are made clear – happy to continue on in the same vein. At least this will make it easier to find them once new laws come to pass, as they must surely one day do.
I’ve seen similar and agree. There are a lot of people out there indulging in their issues, playing very nasty games online.
You’re welcome Jade, it’s important to talk about this.
You say something important here Aphra… I imagine many people are unable to express themselves in their daily lives or take responsibility for themselves and therefore use the internet as a dumping ground and for relief. So really what we are being subjected to are peoples’ undealt-with issues and rampant emotions – which explains a lot. The internet itself is neutral and can only be as good as the quality of the people who use it. As a whole, we are not all yet at the point of being able to use it wisely, hence the need for laws and policing as in our physical public spaces. One day that might not be necessary, but for now it most certainly is.
I agree Jane, it’s kind of weird that they would do so when you present it like that. Why waste time pursuing people who ‘first do no harm’ themselves when there are plenty of people and institutions worthy of far more scrutiny.
Well said Victoria, the fact that these people remain anonymous is a definite sign of cowardice and until the law changes they know they can get away with hiding behind their computers. Lets see how many of these cyber-bullies remain active once that anonymity is taken away.
Well unfortunately they have been identified and that hasn’t stopped them. The pleasure they must get from their abuse must override the shame of having been unmasked. At least that’s what I’m imagining – I don’t know how else to understand it. I have heard research though that found cyber-abusers profile similarly to sadists, which would confirm the pleasure theory.
A brilliant blog Victoria. It makes absolutely zero sense that any person should be the target of online hate comments, threats, racism, sexism etc., especially if the reason for these comments is simply because they expressed their beliefs and stood of up for an organisation that has supported them to change their life for the better…. There’s no excuse for any of it.
So true Susie. It’s interesting where people will go when their buttons are pushed.
Awesome Victoria. I love: “Freedom of speech is not an excuse to harm others”. Is there ever an an excuse?
Good call Shami. Necessary self-defence aside, the simple answer is of course ‘no’.