An essay written by CEP Strategic Advisor Liam Duffy, part of a series of essays on defending free speech commissioned by Robin Simcox, the former Commissioner for Countering Extremism. This essay examines how the counter-extremism sector has expanded beyond its original focus on terroristic radicalisation to encompass broader political phenomena, often at the expense of freedom of expression. Using the case of rapper Tyler, the Creator’s 2015 UK ban as a starting point, it argues for a more focused approach to countering extremism that protects free speech and maintains public trust in institutions.