ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the scope of freedom of expression online and discusses its evolution, legal basis and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. It aims to clarify the extent to which freedom of expression and connected rights are protected on the internet and what limits exist. The chapter examines how standard-setting activities by institutions such as the Council of Europe are normatively important for the development of the obligations of states and other actors regarding freedom of expression. It proposes selected normative challenges of protecting freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is one of the key civil and political rights. The online freedom like its offline version consists basically of two main components, the freedom to express and impart and the freedom to receive information and ideas. Most major international institutions and organisations that deal with human rights have developed normative instruments regarding freedom of expression online.
