# Freedom of expression in Norway 2026: what is legal? Freedom of expression is a basic right in Norway, but not absolute. Learn the limits for privacy, hateful speech and online debate. Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/ytringsfrihet-norge Language: en Publisher: SamfunnPrep Author: Hlib Suslov Published: 2026-07-01T17:00:42.566+00:00 Modified: 2026-10-15T07:47:48.337522+00:00 AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt ## Key takeaways - Not absolute Freedom of expression is strong in Norway, but privacy, threats and the ban on hateful speech set limits. - Online is public Social media comments can have legal consequences even if written quickly or later deleted. - Criticize issues You may disagree clearly, but do not attack protected groups or share private information. Freedom of expression is a basic democratic right in Norway. You may express opinions, criticize and take part in debate, but the freedom is not absolute: privacy, threats and hateful or discriminatory speech set limits, also online. ## What is freedom of expression? Freedom of expression means that, as a main rule, you may express opinions, ideas and information freely. This can be oral, written, artistic, through the press, in demonstrations and on the internet. In Norway this applies to private individuals, organizations, media and people who criticize the authorities. The right is in **Article 100 of the Constitution**. The modern version was adopted in 2004. As of **28 June 2026**, Lovdata still shows Article 100 as the central constitutional rule on freedom of expression. The purpose is democratic participation. Voters must be able to receive information, hear criticism and discuss society. That is why freedom of expression is closely linked to [how democracy works in Norway](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/slik-fungerer-demokratiet-norge). The key point is that freedom of expression in Norway is **not absolute**. You may be sharp and critical, but not threaten, harass, spread private information or make hateful statements prohibited by law. ## The limits in Norway Most opinions are legal, even when others find them wrong, provocative or hurtful. Norwegian democracy allows tough debate, but the law protects other rights and public safety. Important limits are **privacy**, threats and harassment, **hateful speech** under section 185 of the Penal Code, and serious false or invasive claims about individuals. The European Convention on Human Rights Article 10 also protects expression, but allows necessary restrictions for others' rights, public order or national security. In practice, ask whether the expression crosses a legal line. Criticism of religion, politics, ideology, public services and people in power is allowed. Attacking a person or group with hateful words because of who they are is different. ## Racist and discriminatory speech You may disagree, discuss immigration, religion, gender, sexuality, politics and culture, and express strong views. Freedom of expression protects difficult conversations. The limit is crossed when speech becomes discriminatory or hateful in the legal sense. As of **28 June 2026**, **section 185 of the Penal Code** says that a person who intentionally or with gross negligence publicly makes a discriminatory or hateful statement may be punished by a fine or imprisonment for up to **3 years**. The protected grounds are skin colour or national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, and disability. Police guidance explains that hateful speech is speech suited to create or spread hatred against protected groups. Not every rude word is criminal, but racist, antisemitic, homophobic, transphobic or grossly discriminatory statements can be illegal. A useful rule: criticize actions, ideas and policy, not the human dignity of a group. See also [LGBT rights in Norway](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/skeive-rettigheter-norge). ## Freedom of expression online The same laws apply online. A comment on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, a comment field or a group may have consequences if it is public enough or shared further. Online it is easier to go too far. You do not see the other person, may feel anonymous, and content can be saved through screenshots. Before posting, ask: Would I say this face to face? Am I criticizing a case or attacking a person or group? Am I sharing private information? Can it be understood as a threat or hatred against a protected group? If you receive hateful or discriminatory comments, save evidence, report the content to the platform and contact the police if needed. The Digital Services Act has been enforced in the EU since February 2024, and Medietilsynet says it is planned to apply as Norwegian law from summer **2026**. ## Expression and privacy Freedom of expression and privacy are both human rights. Datatilsynet explains that they often conflict and must be balanced. Norwegian privacy law includes exceptions for journalistic, academic, artistic and literary purposes, but that does not mean everyone may publish everything about others. Be careful with pictures of others, especially children; health information, address, phone number or finances; accusations of crime; and screenshots from private conversations. Something can be true and still not be right to publish. [Norwegian values and unwritten rules](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/norske-verdier-uskrevne-regler) can help explain the difference between clear disagreement and unnecessary harm. ## Democracy, press freedom and responsibility Freedom of expression is necessary for democracy. Without free debate, voters cannot control power or understand alternatives. Press freedom lets journalists investigate authorities, companies and organizations. Reporters Without Borders ranked Norway **number 1 of 180 countries** in the World Press Freedom Index 2026, with a score of **92.72**. Strong institutions do not mean debate is easy for everyone; many avoid speaking because they fear harassment, racism or threats. Real freedom of expression needs both legal protection and a culture where more people dare to participate. Equality and inclusion matter too. Read more about [equality in Norway](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/likestilling-norge). Use your freedom, but remember others' dignity, privacy and protection against hate. ## FAQ ### Is freedom of expression absolute in Norway? No. Article 100 of the Constitution protects it, but privacy, threats and section 185 of the Penal Code on hateful speech set limits. ### Can I write racist comments online? No, not if the comment is covered by Penal Code section 185. The rule also applies online and can lead to a fine or imprisonment for up to 3 years. ### What is the difference between disagreement and discriminatory speech? Disagreement criticizes ideas, actions or policy. Hateful or discriminatory speech attacks people or groups because of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. ### Can I share pictures or private information about others? Be careful. Privacy can limit expression. As a main rule, get consent before sharing pictures, addresses, health information or other private data. ### What can I do if I receive hateful comments? Save evidence, report the content to the platform and consider contacting the police. Police guidance covers hateful speech and online tips. ## Sources - [Kongeriket Norges Grunnlov §100](https://lovdata.no/lov/1814-05-17-bm/%C2%A7100) - [Straffeloven §185 Hatefulle ytringer](https://lovdata.no/lov/2005-05-20-28/%C2%A7185) - [Hatefulle ytringer på internett](https://www.politiet.no/tjenester/tips-politiet/hatefulle-ytringer-pa-internett) - [Personvern vs. ytrings- og informasjonsfrihet](https://www.datatilsynet.no/regelverk-og-verktoy/lover-og-regler/personvern-og-ytrings--og-informasjonsfrihet/) - [Forordningen om digitale tjenester (Digital Services Act)](https://www.medietilsynet.no/regelverk/internasjonale-reguleringer-for-digitale-tjenester/dsa/) - [Norway - World Press Freedom Index 2026](https://rsf.org/en/country/norway) Citation: Hlib Suslov, "Freedom of expression in Norway 2026: what is legal?", SamfunnPrep, 2026-07-01T17:00:42.566+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/ytringsfrihet-norge