Freedom of expression is a basic human right and the foundation for self-government. It includes the right to free speech, press, religion, assembly, and association. It also means having the right to receive information without interference and to keep personal information private.
The American Library Association (ALA) endorses this principle. It is also in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.1 The preamble states that:
...recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world...[and]...the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people....
Article 12of this document states:
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor or reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 18states:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19states:
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.
Article 20 states:
- Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
- No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
In 2013, the UN General Assembly reaffirmed that the right to privacy applies to digital communications and records. They require governments of member nations to “respect and protect” peoples’ privacy rights.
The ALA believes that every person has these rights, no matter their origin, age, background, or views. The ALA shows its commitment to these principles in theLibrary Bill of Rights andCode of Ethics. These principles should be upheld by libraries and library workers worldwide. The ALA’s “International Relations” policy reflects these objectives, “...to encourage the exchange, dissemination, and access to information and the unrestricted flow of library materials in all formats throughout the world.”
Censorship, ignorance, and manipulation are the tools used by those in power. The ALA actively supports net neutrality, transparency, and accountability. Governments and companies that block, control, or monitor personal communications without consent or oversight is unfair and unjust. These same entities also collect large amounts of personal information without due process or transparency. This abuse of public trust threatens privacy and harms the right to free expression. Everyone benefits when people are treated with respect. This allows ideas and information to be freely shared, debated, and tested in the public sphere.
The ALA is deeply committed to human rights, especially the rights to privacy and free expression. These rights are essential to the practice of librarianship. The rights of privacy and free expression are not tied to politics, race, economics, or culture. These rights are inherent in every person. They cannot be taken away, reduced, or denied by governments or businesses. True justice and equality depend on protecting and using these rights every day.
Information and ideas have power. They can:
- inspire justice;
- restore freedom and dignity to the exploited and oppressed;
- change the hearts and minds of the oppressors; and
- offer opportunities for a better life to all people.
Throughout history, courageous people have defended the right to speak freely, even when faced with threats, slavery, captivity, torture, exile, and death. Their actions demonstrate that free expression is a basic human right and that it demands justice. Their bravery inspires ALA. Their deeds challenge library workers to stay committed to promoting and defending the rights of privacy and free expression.
There is no such thing as good censorship. Restricting free expression and the flow of information leads to discrimination and oppression. Using censorship to fight oppression only causes more harm. People can’t truly be free without personal privacy. A society that does not respect personal privacy will fail to see when its rights and freedoms are taken away.
Threats to the privacy and freedom of expression of any person anywhere are threats to the privacy and freedom of all people everywhere. Violations of these human rights have been recorded in nearly every country and society around the world. Vigilance in protecting these rights is our best defense.
In response to these violations, the ALA:
- Opposes any government action that prevents people from exercising their rights. Everyone should be free to seek, receive, and share information and ideas without interference. Libraries and library workers must actively resist these abuses and support those affected by them.
- Condemns any government effort to use libraries and library workers to restrict people’s rights. Libraries exist to help people seek, receive, and share information and ideas. Laws, contracts, or agreements that limit these rights go against the mission of libraries. They also violate the professional responsibilities of library workers.
- Rejects censorship in any form. Actions that deny basic human rights weakens the will to resist oppression. They also empower oppressors and undermine the cause of justice.
Censorship harms justice and destroys freedom. As such, the ALA will not stand down from these principles.
