Free Speech Web Hosting
Freedom of speech is the concept of being able to speak freely without restrictions or censorship. While the internet alludes to this ideal, in reality website hosts and the sites running on them are subject to degrees of freedom depending on the laws governing the location of the web host’s server.
In the United States, the limitations of the website host depend upon the laws and policies of the individual state. Although rare, in a worst-case situation, a site owner may face consequences when unfamiliar with that state’s stance on free speech, also many website hosts are wary of controversy and will not hesitate to close down a websites that creates conflicting views.
Free speech web hosting are hosting services that have taken a stance in protecting freedom of speech on the internet. These companies are familiar with the legal issues surrounding fair use, trademark, copyright and slander. If a lawyers attempts to demanding that something be taken down, they are not afraid to stand up for your first amendment rights.
A free speech web site is uniquely set up to deal with legal threats and have structured their business around liability insurance enabling them to help to protect the site owner and other individuals against possible lawsuits.
In short, if a lawyer tries to block legal content, they better have a legitimate court order in hand to do so.
Limitations
Freedom of speech does not, of course mean “anything goes”. Should you engage in criminal activities you will likely find your website shut down in short order. Examples of content, not protected under free speech include: threats, subjudicy, defemation, obscenities, treason, slander, hate speeches (“flaming”), the willful spreading of lies, causing widespread panic, child pornography, ripping off intellectual property, pirated software and music files.
Web Hosts that Offer Free Speech Web Hosting
While many web hosts are fans of free speech, only a few have positioned themselves to fight attacks against it. Should your website come up against opposition, your will likely be dropped fast, especially if you are using a small host without the resources to fight an extended legal battle.
Fortunately there are a select few hosts who will fight for your cause and not cave into external pressure and vicious attacks on your freedom: