Rights, Duties & Values: Rights & Responsibilities (Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Freedom of speech and privacy

What is freedom of speech?

• Freedom of speech is the ability to express opinions, ideas and beliefs without fear of punishment

  • It includes spoken words, writing, art, protest and online communication

• In the UK people can criticise the government, public bodies and those in power

  • Newspapers and journalists regularly criticise government policy

  • Citizens can take part in protests and campaigns

    • For example, climate change protests and cost-of-living demonstrations

• However, speech is restricted where it causes harm to others

  • Hate speech and threats of violence are not protected

  • Restrictions aim to protect public safety and the rights of others

What is the right to privacy?

• The right to privacy is the expectation that personal life, information and communications are protected

  • It is based on dignity, respect and personal autonomy

• In the UK, individuals expect privacy in their home, family life and personal data

  • For example, medical records and personal messages should remain confidential

  • Organisations must handle personal data responsibly

    • Companies must not share customer data without permission

  • However, privacy may be reduced where there is strong public interest

    • For example, exposing serious crime or corruption

How freedom of speech and privacy may conflict

• The media may want to publish information to inform the public

  • This supports freedom of speech and press freedom

• Individuals may argue that publication intrudes into their private life

  • This can cause emotional distress or reputational harm

• In the UK, decisions focus on balancing public interest against personal privacy

Activism and obeying the law

• Activism involves taking action to bring about social, political or environmental change

  • It can be carried out by individuals or groups who want to challenge injustice

Forms of activism

Obeying the law

• Laws help keep order and protect the rights of others

  • Obeying the law supports safety, stability and trust in society

• The rule of law in the UK means that everyone is expected to follow the law, including protesters

  • No one is above the law, even if their cause is popular

  • The police and courts enforce laws fairly and consistently

• Citizens have a responsibility to protest peacefully and lawfully

  • Actions should not cause serious harm or danger to others

How activism and obeying the law can come into conflict

• Activists may believe breaking the law is morally justified

  • Especially if laws are seen as unfair or slow to change

• Governments argue laws must be enforced to protect the public

  • Disruption to transport, emergency services or daily life is often used to justify limits

• This creates a tension between moral action and legal responsibility