Free Speech Policy

Last Updated: February 6, 2025

At soj.ooO (the "Platform"), we are strong and unyielding advocates for the principles of free speech. We believe in the foundational right of individuals to express their views, opinions, and ideas, regardless of their alignment with the mainstream or the comfort level of others. This commitment to free speech is not just a policy; it is core to the mission of the Platform.

We recognize that the exchange of ideas, even those that are controversial, unpopular, or uncomfortable, is critical for a healthy, open society. Our Free Speech Policy is designed to protect this principle and provide a space for robust, uninhibited discourse. Our commitment is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to express themselves freely, in full accordance with the law.

1. The Cornerstone of Free Speech

The Platform stands firm on the following premise: anything and everything that is legal to express is permitted on our site. We do not—and will not—interfere with, censor, or remove content solely because it is controversial, offensive to some, or unpopular. What constitutes legal speech is governed by the laws of the United States and any jurisdiction in which the Platform operates.

Our belief in free speech is unequivocal: disagreement, discomfort, and dissent are all natural and necessary elements of a free and open society. The fact that an individual may find certain ideas offensive or disagreeable is not a valid justification to silence or shut down that expression. Just because you disagree with something does not mean you have the right to remove another person's ability to express it.

2. Legal Speech is Unrestricted

As a platform committed to free speech, our content policy operates on the principle that if it is legal, it is welcome. We do not engage in the policing of ideas, opinions, or expressions simply because they are contentious, offensive, or challenge the status quo. Content that is lawful to post under the laws of the United States, regardless of its social or political nature, will remain accessible and visible on our Platform.

To be clear: we are not responsible for the content posted by users, nor will we seek to suppress speech based on personal, political, or ideological reasons. We reject the notion that speech should be governed by subjective moral, social, or political standards—we will not act as the arbiter of acceptable or permissible speech.

3. Illegal Speech and Content

While we strongly believe in unrestricted legal speech, we acknowledge that some forms of speech fall outside the boundaries of legal expression. Accordingly, we must comply with applicable laws and regulations that prohibit certain categories of speech. These exceptions are strictly limited to the following:

  • Hate Speech: Any speech, conduct, writing, or display that incites violence, discriminates against, or threatens individuals or groups on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected category under U.S. law is prohibited.
  • Defamation: Content that falsely defames or harms the reputation of others may be subject to removal, as it violates the legal standards regarding libel and slander.
  • Harassment and Threats: Content that constitutes unlawful harassment or direct threats of violence will not be tolerated, as it violates the safety of others and may be subject to legal consequences.
  • Incitement to Violence or Crime: Content that incites illegal activities or violence is strictly prohibited under U.S. law.

Outside of these exceptions, we do not, and will not, remove or censor speech or content based on personal or political preferences.

4. Responsibility of Users

While the Platform provides a space for unfettered free speech, we expect all users to engage with respect for the law and the rights of others. This includes respecting the boundaries of illegal content, including but not limited to unlawful hate speech, threats of violence, and harassment. By using the Platform, users acknowledge and agree to:

  • Comply with all applicable laws when posting content.
  • Understand that the Platform is not responsible for the content users post, and that the expression of controversial or offensive ideas is the responsibility of the individual user.
  • Refrain from using the Platform to engage in any illegal activities, including the promotion of violence, hate, and discrimination, which are prohibited under applicable U.S. law.

5. Reporting Mechanisms

We will adhere to our legal obligations by promptly responding to valid legal requests. Users who believe that content violates the law may report it, and we will review such claims for compliance with our legal obligations. However, we do not remove content solely based on personal offense or disagreement.

We have established a reporting system to allow users to flag content that they believe violates our policy or applicable laws. We will act promptly on valid legal requests to remove unlawful content in accordance with U.S. law, but we do not remove content simply because it is unpopular or offensive.

6. No Censorship, No Ideological Control

At soj.ooO, we reject the concept of ideological control or censorship, which is too often used as a tool to silence dissenting opinions. We firmly believe that it is the right of every individual to express their viewpoints freely, and that debate, even heated debate, is vital to intellectual and societal progress.

We do not, and will not, create an environment where speech is silenced because it does not fit into a preferred narrative or ideology. The Platform is intended for the exchange of ideas, without interference, limitation, or suppression.

7. Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

We are committed to maintaining transparency in our operations. If any action is taken regarding the removal or restriction of content, users will be provided with clear explanations for why that action was taken, especially in cases where content is found to be in violation of the law or this Policy.

We are also committed to regularly reviewing and updating this policy to ensure it remains in line with evolving legal and social norms, while maintaining our unflinching support for free speech.

8. The Future of Free Speech

At soj.ooO, we believe that the future of free speech depends on ensuring that all legal expressions of thought, opinion, and creativity are respected, protected, and allowed to thrive. We are proud to provide a space where anyone, from any walk of life, can share their thoughts and ideas without fear of censorship, as long as their speech is legal.

We invite you to join us in fostering a community of free expression and open dialogue, where all voices—no matter how controversial or unorthodox—are welcomed and respected.