Most expression is completely harmless and protected under the right to freedom of expression from interference by the state.
However, ‘seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas’ includes expression which few societies could tolerate, such as incitement to murder or the sale of pornography to children. As a result, freedom of expression is not absolute and can be limited when it conflicts with other rights.
International law declares freedom of expression to be the rule. Limitations are the exception, permitted only to protect:
the rights or reputations of others
national security
public order
public health
morals.
Limitation is legitimate if it falls within the very narrow conditions defined in the three-part test in Article 19(3) of the ICCPR: