Free speech, democracy and the ‘hidden persuaders’: Segregation in the public sphere

Muralidharan, Sukumar (2021) Free speech, democracy and the ‘hidden persuaders’: Segregation in the public sphere. In: Companion to Indian democracy: Resilience, fragility, ambivalence. Routledge, New Delhi, pp. 204-222. ISBN 9781003219477

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Abstract

This chapter explores the relationship between freedom of expression and contemporary forms of democracy. It unpacks the Indian debate over net neutrality that began with plans by two telecom companies to offer free services. One of these was explicitly premised on websites paying the cost, i.e., it was just about transferring the cost burden from one end of the chain to another. The other worked on the premise that advertising revenue would cover the cost of rendering the special favour of free access. Ironically, the latter plan was dressed up as a special dispensation for those without means, where advertiser interest was likely minimal. In this context, it is argued in the chapter that the changing technologies have paved the way for new modes of public expressions. Democracy as a value and a set of principles must acknowledge these developments.

Item Type: Book Section
Keywords: Net neutrality | Media freedom | Advertising | Algorithmic search
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Journalism, News and Media
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Political Science
JGU School/Centre: Jindal School of Journalism & Communication
Depositing User: Mr. Syed Anas
Date Deposited: 03 Apr 2022 10:09
Last Modified: 23 Jun 2022 11:06
Official URL: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.432...
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/2084

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