“Free Expression Has Become a Commodity.”

In the new episode of their podcast series “Handing over the mic” the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics‘ Christine Mhundwa and Elisa Díaz Gras are joined by Irene Khan, an internationally recognized leading voice in the defence of human rights, gender equality, and social justice. Irene Khan currently is the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

In their conversation they touch on complex issues as digital regulation, human rights and Europe’s role in shaping global tech governance. Irene Khan highlights the weaponisation and commodification of freedom of expression, noting how some governments and companies promote only certain types of speech, undermining democratic values.