Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate option from the given alternatives.
Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democratic societies, allowing individuals to express ideas, question authority, and promote change. However, in the digital world, this right encounters complex challenges. Social media platforms have become arenas where opinions can be voiced instantly-but also where hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying thrive. Balancing the right to speak freely with the responsibility to prevent harm is now a pressing debate. Should platforms censor harmful content, or would that violate freedom? While some argue that regulation is essential to protect vulnerable groups, others fear it might lead to suppression of dissent. The problem deepens when private companies-not elected bodies-decide what speech is allowed or banned. Striking the right balance requires thoughtful policies, digital literacy, and legal frameworks rooted in both human rights and public safety. In a world where words travel faster than thought, protecting free speech without enabling harm may be one of the defining tests of modern democracy.
According to the author, what is required to resolve this conflict?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
According to the passage, the author concludes that resolving the conflict between free speech and digital harm requires a multi-faceted approach. The text explicitly states: "Striking the right balance requires thoughtful policies, digital literacy, and legal frameworks rooted in both human rights and public safety." This option directly synthesizes these requirements by emphasizing the combination of rights (freedom) and safety through established legal structures and educational initiatives (literacy).
“Combining rights with safety through law and literacy” is the correct answer.