Source: Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
by Nico Perrino
“The most acute challenges to free expression often come during times of war. The Sedition Act of 1798 criminalized criticism of the federal government amid fears of war with France. During World War I, the Espionage Act led to more than 2,000 prosecutions for speech ranging from teaching that Christians should not kill in war to protests over draft exemptions. The Cold War brought McCarthyism, blacklists, and loyalty oaths. After each of these periods, Americans came to regret the country’s censorship frenzy. … Not every war needs to be followed by censorship and then regret. We can learn from this historical pattern and refuse to censor in the first place.” (03/02/26)
https://www.fire.org/news/calls-censorship-are-familiar-wartime-mistake