NETWORKS IN CONFLICT: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND PROTECTION OF PERSONALITY IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

Abstract

The advancement of the Internet and social media has profoundly transformed human communication, amplifying voices, accelerating debates, and allowing anyone to produce and distribute content on a global scale. At the same time, this environment has intensified the occurrence of hate speech, online harassment, and violations of honor, image, and privacy. This chapter analyzes, in a narrative and accessible way, the conflict between freedom of expression and the protection of personality rights, discussing the role of digital platforms, the impact of algorithms, the slowness of legal responses, and the challenges brought about by disinformation. It also highlights the limitations of the Brazilian Internet Bill of Rights (Marco Civil da Internet) and points out possible ways to balance freedom, security, and dignity in the contemporary digital environment.