FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND IN TODAY’S WORLD: BETWEEN FUNDAMENTAL GUARANTEE AND CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS

Abstract

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right of extreme relevance to the democracy of society. This study analyzes the legal limits of this right in the Brazilian digital environment, based on the principle that the right is fundamental but not absolute, and must be in accordance with legal security and other rights. Even though the digital environment has broadened the perspectives for expressing thought, it has also become a fertile ground for the dissemination of fake news, hate speech, and other cybercrimes. The study analyzes the evolution of freedom of expression, conflicts in the virtual environment – ​​including those involving public agents – and the role of Brazilian legislation, with emphasis on the Brazilian Internet Bill of Rights (Marco Civil da Internet), in regulating these issues. Through bibliographic review and normative analysis, it concludes that, despite legal advances, the difficulty in applying the norms, given the unchecked growth of technology, makes clear the need for more effective laws, digital education, and the impact of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in building a more balanced, free, and secure online environment.