The Internet and Social Media have become vital communications tools through which individuals can exercise their freedom of expression and exchange information and ideas instantly and more openly. However, some individuals have taken advantage of this and without exercising responsibility, have expressed views and opinions in ways that negatively impact others. Consultations reveal that people have used the internet and social media to express views freely with some defaming the good reputation of individuals and inciting violence on their family members37, share publications that are scandalous and slanderous,38 and to create fake pages to spread false, fabricated, misleading and malicious information about individuals and government.39 The issue of breach of privacy is also a major concern with some individuals exposing private information online about others and their families.40 The exposure of such information has subjected some to hate and vilification by others. It was also voiced by some that although it is important for people to express their views and opinions on any matter that concerns them, it has also created a culture of ignorance regarding responsibilities attached to the application of such freedoms and rights.41 INFORMATION POINT: Examples of “good use” and “unreasonable use” of freedom of expression and speech     Accusing a politician or anyone else expressly or by innuendo of stealing or having an affair without any proof is NOT a legitimate exercise of free speech. Exchanging views with people on a family wedding, planning projects or on a topical public issue is exercising freedom of speech. A good example of free speech in exchanging views is this: “I don’t think it’s a good policy because I don’t believe in rights of children” An example of the misuse of free speech is this: “I don’t think your ideas are good, I think you are stupid and I do not want to hear your views again.” 37 Focus groups consultations and feedback Upolu (March 2021) and Savaii (April 2021). Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MCIT) written submission (20 April 2021). 39 MPMC written submission (26 April 2021). 40 MCIT written submission (20 April 2021), MPMC written submission (26 April 2021), Samoa Observer written submission (13 May 2021). 41 Focus groups consultations and feedback Upolu (March 2021) and Savaii (April 2021), SLRC written submission (30 April 2021), MPMC written submission (26 April 2021). 38 State of Human Rights Report 2021 | 17