Today freedom of speech, or the freedom of expression, is recognized in international and regional
human rights law. The right is enshrined in Article 19 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 10 of the
European Convention on Human Rights, Article 13 of the
American Convention on Human Rights and Article 9 of the
African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
[10] Based on
John Milton's arguments, freedom of speech is understood as a multi-faceted right that includes not only the right to express, or disseminate, information and ideas, but three further distinct aspects:
- the right to seek information and ideas;
- the right to receive information and ideas;
- the right to impart information and ideas
International, regional and national standards also recognize that freedom of speech, as the freedom of expression, includes any medium, be it orally, in written, in print, through the
Internet or through art forms. This means that the protection of freedom of speech as a right includes not only the content, but also the means of expression.
[10]