Elmi is-aprel 04(15). pdf

 

Introduction 

Freedom of speech or freedom of expression is one of the cornerstones of democracy. We know that 

democracy is a state structure in which society chooses its own system of government and accordingly, every 

democratic state must recognize freedom of speech or freedom of expression as one of the fundamental 

human rights. However, freedom of expression includes not only freedom of speech but also access to 

information. In the field of access to information, the state has a negative obligation not to impede the 

transfer of information from one person to another and not to interfere in this process (1, p 176).  

Freedom of expression is not an absolute right of person, and it means that access to information 

sometimes can be restricted by the government. This mainly happens when individuals' freedom of 

expression conflicts with the interests of the state. 

As we all know, in the XXI century, the Internet is an area where people realize their freedom of speech 

and freedom of information. This, in turn, leads to the rapid spread of information and makes it difficult to 

manage. Whether the control of freedom of expression and information on the Internet is within the 

competence of the states is one of the most discussed issues by law researchers. This is because sometimes 

states operating in a democratic regime impose restrictions on freedom of expression on the Internet for 

several reasons. Recently, one of the reasons for this is the widespread use of fake news and propaganda. 

Sometimes states use censorship to prevent fake news and propaganda in order to protect their legitimate 

interests, and this can result in the restriction of fundamental human rights. 

The Republic of Azerbaijan, which includes a group of developing countries, is a structurally 

democratic, law-governed, secular, unitary republic (2). Prior to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which 

Azerbaijan struggled to restore its territorial integrity, the state did not apply any censorship to the Internet. 

However, from the first day of the war, access to the Internet was partially restricted without any informing 

citizens of media. It was almost impossible to use all means of transmitting and obtaining information 

between citizens. 

In turn, this caused serious protests from citizens, but on the other hand, the state was considering it 

necessary in order to prevent disinformation, fake news, and propaganda aimed at provocation within 

Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, fake news and propaganda continued to disseminate by Armenia. 

Freedom of speech and expression are one of the fundamental rights gained in civil societies and 

recognized by democratic states as an inalienable human right after a long struggle, despite being restricted 

by the authorities for centuries. However, this freedom should not exceed certain frontiers.  

The legal basis of this right has been embodied in several important international documents related to 

human rights and freedoms. For example, according to Article 19 of the Universal  Declaration of Human 

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expression; this right includes  freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart  

information and ideas through any media and reg

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 provision also was followed 

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