The hyperconnected environment that we live in has provided new opportunities for some traditionally marginalised groups to speak out and reach high range of population. Freedom of Opinion, Freedom of Expression and the Right to Information are basic human rights and they are seen by the European Union as cornerstones of democracy in any society. These rights are essential parts of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which in its article 11 reads: Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. The freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected. But as some explain, it has also provided new opportunities for governments and companies to silence speech mostly under the premises of national security legislations, as an attempt to tighten control and consolidate power in the face of political stress and rising dissent.

THE OUTPUT

The fanzine presents itself as self explanatory as possible with the title of “The Free–speech Meter/The Hate–speech Meter.” A somehow straight forward showcase of some of the most highly sensitised, contentious and complex issues in today’s European structural levels – economical, social, political, cultural – and society – terrorism, incest, slavery, illegal immigration, grooming, radicalisation – provoking debate and controversy.