JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Freedom of speech and expression is one of the core tenets of modern societies. It was deemed to be so fundamentally essential to early American life that it was inscribed as the first amendment of the United States Constitution. Over the past century, the rise of modern life also marked the rise of the digital era and age of social media. Freedom of speech thus transitioned in its medium from print to electronic media. Access to such content is almost instantaneous and available to a vast audience. From newspapers to online rating websites, freedom of speech is a contested topic in the medical world, as one’s lack of censorship online may be the downfall of a physician’s reputation and practice. It is especially relevant in these times of political turbulence where the battle to separate facts from misinformation has started a lively debate about the responsibility of social media. The historical context of libel and its applicability in the age of rising online presence is important for physicians since they are also duty bound to protect the privacy of their patients. This asymmetry and other aspects of regulating social media will continue to assume increasing importance for physicians who may desire increased online presence while trying to prevent incidents of defamation.