itsesensuuri
Itsesensuuri (self-censorship) refers to the voluntary suppression or alteration of speech, writing, or other expression due to anticipated personal, professional, legal, economic, or social consequences, rather than direct coercion by authorities. In Finnish usage and in media studies, the term highlights how actors in journalism, publishing, broadcasting, academia, and online platforms may refrain from tackling certain topics or presenting critical viewpoints to avoid sanctions, damage to reputation, or loss of audiences and funding.
The practice arises from a mix of factors: concerns about legal liability, advertiser or sponsor pressures,
Scholars emphasize that itsesensuuri interacts with formal censorship, policy debates, and power structures. Proponents may argue
See also: censorship, freedom of expression, media ethics, chilling effect.