MACHINE SPEECH

Computers are making an increasing number of important decisions in people's lives. They fly airplanes, navigate traffic, and even recommend books. In the process, computers reason through automated algorithms and constantly send and receive information, sometimes in ways that mimic human expre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:University of Pennsylvania law review 2013-05, Vol.161 (6), p.1495-1533
Main Author: Wu, Tim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bill of Rights-US
Computer software
Corporations
DEBATE
First Amendment
Freedom of speech
Internet
Internet/Web search services
Law schools
Laws, regulations and rules
Legal studies
Multimedia software
Persons (Law)
Political speeches
Search engines
Social media
Video games
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Summary:Computers are making an increasing number of important decisions in people's lives. They fly airplanes, navigate traffic, and even recommend books. In the process, computers reason through automated algorithms and constantly send and receive information, sometimes in ways that mimic human expression. When such communications, called here "algorithmic outputs," can claim First Amendment protection is the question. Here, Wu considers the speech status of blogging and microblogging software like Twitter, GPS navigation software, search engines, and automated concierges. The importance of these matters cannot be overstated. Too little protection would disserve speakers who have evolved beyond the printed pamphlet. Too much protection would threaten to constitutionalize many areas of commerce and private concern without promoting the values of the First Amendment.
ISSN:0041-9907
1942-8537