Here at EFF, we believe that all individuals should be able to create content and share it online without facing censorship or undue restrictions. This is a fundamental right and the digital space provides the opportunity to share creative material and connect with people across the world—whether that’s as a blogger or other content creator.

But we are also aware that as a creator, full-time or part-time, you've most likely been affected by issues relating to freedom of expression, copyright law, and privacy. This is also likely the case if you watch or share pretty much any content online

Bloggers and creators can be journalists (and journalists can be bloggers).
Were battling for legal and institutional recognition that if you engage in journalism you're a journalist with all of the attendant rights privileges and protections. (See Apple v. Does.) 

Bloggers and creators have freedom from liability for hosting speech the same way other web hosts do.
Were working to strengthen Section 230 liability protections under the Communications Decency Act (CDA) while spreading the word that bloggers are entitled to them. (See Barrett v. Rosenthal.)

Bloggers and creators are entitled to free speech.
Were tackling frivolous or abusive threats and lawsuits that are meant to harass you into silence or use copyright and other claims to chill your legitimate speech. (See OPG v. Diebold.)  

We have also developed a number of resources to help navigate some of the challenges you may experience as blogger or other content creator. We have created a Legal Guide for Bloggers to give you a basic roadmap of key legal issues, we campaign for the release of creators and bloggers detained or imprisoned for their work, we advocate for strong protections against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), and have developed a guide to blogging anonymously and ensuring your constitutional right to anonymity.

You have rights and it’s more important than ever for individuals to be able to speak out and share material with their communities online. Your legitimate speech is protected and we at EFF are here to help uplift all voices to ensure the creativity of everyone.

Additional resources for blogging and creating content online:

  • Surveillance Self-Defense – EFF’s online guide to defending yourself and your friends from surveillance by using secure technology and developing careful practices.
  • Tracking Global Online Censorship – EFF’s resource to learn more about the policies and practices of commercial content moderation and the phenomenon of platform censorship. 
  • YouTube’s Content ID – EFF’s white paper on how YouTube’s Content ID restricts creators far beyond what the law allows.

 

Protect digital privacy and free expression. EFF's public interest legal work, activism, and software development preserve fundamental rights.
Protect digital privacy and free expression. EFF's public interest legal work, activism, and software development preserve fundamental rights. DONATE TO EFF