The Rise of Online Moral Police: The Threat to Free Speech in the Digital Age
Introduction:
The issue of free speech on the internet has become a matter of concern as private companies continue to play the role of “moral police.” Entities like Cloudflare, payment processors such as Visa and Mastercard, and app stores like the iOS and Play Stores have been increasingly seen as de facto lawmakers governing what is allowed online. This approach raises questions about the freedom of expression and the potential for abuse of power. While some argue that these actions are necessary to combat harmful content, there is a growing belief that censorship strategies are becoming a dangerous loophole for limiting free speech.