Freedom of Speech and Expression in the Digital Age: Philosophical Analysis and Social Security Challenges

Today’s information space poses new challenges to freedom of expression and freedom of speech associated with digital censorship, the spread of misinformation and algorithmic regulation of content. With society’s growing dependence on digital technologies, there is a need to rethink mechanisms for protecting freedom of expression, especially in the context of social security. The aim of this study is to analyse the philosophical foundations of freedom of expression in the digital age through the prism of T. Scanlon’s concept and to assess the role of media education as a tool to promote the formation of a critically thinking society. The materials are based on contemporary research in philosophy, media education and digital technologies. The methodological basis is philosophical analysis, interdisciplinary approach and case studies related to the regulation of freedom of expression in the digital environment. The results of the study show that traditional legal measures to regulate information space are not always effective and may contradict the principle of individual autonomy. In contrast, the development of media literacy allows citizens to consciously perceive information and build their own communication strategy, reducing dependence on institutional and technical control mechanisms. In accordance with the basic features of the philosophical approach, the authors consider freedom of speech as not only a legal category, but also a fundamental principle that ensures the intellectual autonomy of the individual. The specificity of the study lies in the integration of the philosophical discourse on freedom of expression with the current challenges of the digital environment, which allows us to propose new approaches to ensuring social security without compromising democratic values. The study substantiates the need for a balance between protecting the information space and preserving the autonomy of individuals, emphasising that an effective regulatory strategy should include not only legal measures, but also educational initiatives that promote critical thinking and conscious interaction with media.