A Millian Case for Censoring Vaccine Misinformation

Abstract

The spread of vaccine misinformation may contribute to vaccine refusal/hesitancy and consequent harms. Nonetheless, censorship is often rejected on the grounds of free expression. This article examines John Stuart Mill’s influential defence of free expression but finds that his arguments for freedom apply only to normal, reasonably favourable circumstances. In other cases, it may be permissible to restrict freedom, including freedom of speech. Thus, while Mill would ordinarily defend the right to express false views, such as that vaccines cause autism, he might have accepted restrictions on anti-vaccine misinformation during the present pandemic. This illustrates that even the staunchest defenders of free speech can permit temporary restrictions in exceptional circumstances.

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“…Thus, while Mill would ordinarily defend the right to express false views, such as that vaccines cause autism, he might have accepted restrictions on anti-vaccine misinformation during the present pandemic. This illustrates that even the staunchest defenders of free speech can permit temporary restrictions in exceptional circumstances" [175]. If valid, this argument provides a rationale for censorship, surveillance and control of information concerning COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine certificates, mandates and other relevant issues such as testing, masks and lockdowns.…”

“…The tactic by the authorities to censor misinformation is often rejected on the grounds of free expression following John Stuart Mill's views On Liberty. Saunders [175] argues that Mill's arguments apply "only to normal, reasonably favourable circumstances. In other cases, it may be permissible to restrict freedom, including freedom of speech.…”