Will limits on free expression prevent terrorism?

A free media is a key component of democracy given its role in sharing information, yet it is often criticised for its coverage of terrorism, which some regard as facilitating the spread of extremist ideologies. Similarly, as extremists have taken to social media, debates around trade-offs between freedom of expression and security have resurfaced. This report examines the relationships between the traditional media, social media and violent extremism to argue that responses limiting freedom of expression are ineffective in combatting violent extremism.