Many people think that the government should not restrict what people say in public media as it is part of freedom of speech. To what extent do you agree to this statement?

Freedom

of expression gives special rights and duties to the individuals to speak in public media. Some populace argues that individuals should have the

freedom

to hold opinions and to impart and receive

information

and ideas without interference from the government.

Although

I agree that,

this

is important, I

also

believe that the public has a duty to behave responsibly towards publishing truthful and verified

information

and to respect other people's privacy and reputation. There are several reasons for folks to express themselves freely as it works for the benefit of the entire

society

in keeping the public informed and making sure the public can scrutinise the work of government, politicians and other people who play an important role in

society

.

Therefore

, they are afforded

freedom

and protection.

For example

, the Australian public recently roasted some of the liberal leaders over delays in flood relief funding by using harsher words of criticism and protecting their sources, which resulted in getting quicker funding for the disaster victims.

In addition

,

this

kind of support helps in strengthening and uplifting communities, as they overcome the significant damage caused by these events.

Thus

, it is why media is considered the "watchdog" of every democratic

society

.

However

,

this

does not mean that rights and freedoms are not unlimited, it involves duties and responsibilities to whats said.

Firstly

, an individual's

freedom

of expression may be restricted if he/she oversteps the boundaries of other people’s privacy and reputation.

For example

, when publishing private details that are not relevant for public discussion or allegations that have no factual basis.

Secondly

, they

also

have a special responsibility toward

society

to publish truthfully and verified

information

. In conclusion, It is important that the folks publish truthfully and verified

information

and respect other person's privacy boundaries and reputations. That said, I do believe the media being

society

's watchdog, people should be allowed to express themselves freely for the benefit of the entire

society

.