Mark Zuckerberg’s recent revelation that he was almost sentenced to death penalty for blasphemy in Pakistan highlights a disturbing reality: in some parts of the world, tech leaders and platform owners can be held legally responsible for content posted by users. In this case, the threat arose from blasphemy laws in Pakistan, where Facebook has been under pressure to remove content deemed offensive to religious sentiments.
Zuckerberg’s experience is not unique. In multiple countries, social media companies have been pressured to comply with restrictive laws or face bans, fines, or legal action against their executives. This raises a fundamental question: should governments be able to hold tech leaders accountable for content they do not create, merely because their platforms allow free expression?
Blasphemy laws, in Pakistan and elsewhere, do not only stifle technological progress - they endanger human rights. Rationalists must stand firmly against such laws, advocating for free thought, critical inquiry, and the right to question religious and ideological beliefs without fear of persecution.
Zuckerberg’s case serves as a reminder that as technology continues to connect the world, authoritarian restrictions on speech remain a major obstacle. For true progress, we must challenge these oppressive laws and defend the principles of free expression everywhere.
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