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Ask HN: Where to incorporate with free speech protection?

4 points by indulona ↗ HN
In the light of recent news on founder of Telegram or situation in the UK, among other things, I am wondering if there is a jurisdiction where one can safely incorporate a business that provides platform for people to post content and where one does not have to be concerned with government attacking their free speech or be a vassal of foreign jurisdiction, punishing their own companies and citizens?

Is there such a country or did we lost freedom of expression a long time ago?

8 comments

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dave4420
We learned that freedom of speech is not an absolute right that trumps all others, but a right to be balanced against other rights.
dave4420
(After my first comment was downvoted)

No, seriously, probably even you do not believe in unfettered freedom of expression: I doubt you would welcome paedophiles posting child porn to your service, for example.

So: what are your boundaries? What content will you fight to the death to defend, and what will you suppress without a second thought? Only then can you go jurisdiction shopping.

diegoholiveira
> I doubt you would welcome paedophiles posting child porn to your service, for example

That's not freedom of expression, that's a crime already predicted on several countries legislation.

obpe
I think every country has some forms of censorship. In many countries it is illegal to speak negatively or make jokes at the expense of the Crown or government. In many countries it is illegal to speak against the state religion. In the EU it is now illegal to NOT moderate your platform in the way the government demands. The US probably has the highest legal protection for free speech but companies in the US are far more likely to bend to public opinion.

Pick your poison.

indulona
I agree, that is the situation. But I am merely wondering if there is some country that is doing better than others, in this context. I think the best way to go about it is when you simply prevent criticism of culture and government of country where you incorporate. That way the only danger is if foreign government goes after you. So you have to pick a large enough country that is not too friendly with others' legal systems.
obpe
I think China would fit this description the best. It seems like they DGAF about what you say as long as you don't criticize the leader and government or create "social unrest" which practically means telling other people to criticize the leader or government.
indulona
Yeah, that is something to think about. Especially if you have western focused business. Problem there is their total control over the internet. That is a bit too much to stomach. So I would probably go with Russia instead. Especially now when they are quote done with the west. Though they are friendly with east so I can imagine criticizing China would not fly.
h2odragon
Disposable shell companies per jurisdiction.

Look to other vendors of goods and services frowned upon by governments: drugs and weapons. How do they run their business? See also pron.

The big problem is that there's not a lot of money in being a host of last resort; and the persons who most want your service are unpleasant to deal with for a whole host of reasons unrelated to any official opprobrium. "I'm passionate about $Cause, aren't you?" "Yes, but me and the hounds need to eat, too".