Unverified60% confidenceConceptExact time
The "chilling effect" refers to the phenomenon whereby even if a regulatory measure does not directly prohibit speech, the threat of its penalties is sufficient to cause individuals or institutions to proactively self-censor.
2
Sources
60%
Confidence
Long-term
Relevance
7/12/2026
First Seen
Sources
Ofcom Seeks US Police Help to Collect Speech Fines, Sparking Constitutional Controversy Over Cross-Border Regulation
hackernewshackernews7/11/2026
Related Claims
Unverified'Insult' is a highly subjective concept, and how to distinguish normal protest and criticism from unlawful verbal abuse often depends on the on-the-spot judgment of law enforcement officers, which may create a risk of selective enforcement.70% similarUnverifiedEven without formal legal prohibitions, the chilling effect produced by political pressure can prompt universities to engage in self-censorship.69% similarUnverifiedSkeptics argued that 'needless abuse' is a subjective standard that could lead to inconsistency in policy enforcement.69% similarUnverified当网络批评可能招致执法人员实地拜访时会产生寒蝉效应，导致公众自我审查69% similarUnverifiedIndirect prompt injection is more harmful because the victim is completely unaware of the malicious content.68% similar
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