The Controversy Over Internet Censorship

Words: 2205
Pages: 9
Open Document
With the rise of the internet and the sudden boom of information that is now available online, this has sparked a controversial debate for the need for online censorship. In today’s society, people spread all across the globe are now able to be connected with one another and in ways that previously deemed to be impossible prior to the internet. Despite all the greatness that the internet has provided us with, there are many downfalls that may be a detriment to society as a whole. As a result, regulating these unwanted and offensive materials are the goals of many governments. However it is arguable for how far governments should be able to advance the censorship of the internet, as too much or too little will have its disadvantages to society. …show more content…
In today’s society the internet is renounced as a powerful media tool that provides a platform for which users are able to communicate their ideas. With this in mind users should be able to openly express their views and agendas to particular topics irrespective of the established views within society. However internet censorship could potentially limit or even to completely wipe out people’s freedom of speech. As a result this interferes with the free flow of information and the rights to communicate freely and completely goes against a democracy. From this it should be noted that internet censorship is a very complex and controversial in regards to finding a balance between a safer internet atmosphere without impinging on freedom of speech, a given right entitled to all …show more content…
Firstly a broad scale filter proposed by the Government may drive up related cost such as data center staff that is required to deal with complaints when they are blocked off or cannot access websites (Riley 2009). Additionally the internet filter may also interfere to set back the National Broadband Network speeds. As revealed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority that a proper internet censorship regime will most likely decrease current internet speeds by 20% or more (Riley 2009). From this, if internet speed were to decrease this could also lead to a loss of productivity by businesses. Therefore not only will censorship create huge economic costs, but it would also indirectly affect businesses in reducing productivity levels from longer loading times. Consequently is it highly questionable whether internet censorship is worth the consideration of the government’s scarce economic resources, or to be effectively spent on more important issues. Moreover internet censorship may create a disadvantage to the judicature of their respective society. For instance in China, individuals that publish and spread articles and information that openly challenges and criticizes the government’s actions can be imprisoned. However, despite that the conviction criterion for this accusation is deemed to be very vague, the
Show More

Related Documents: The Controversy Over Internet Censorship

5 Amendment Essays

Censorship and the First Amendment Censorship is the suppression of speech or other public communication that may be objectionable or harmful, to the general population. Censorship is a cause of issues involving Freedom of Speech that is protected in the first amendment. From the beginning this freedom has caused controversy and with controversy we see the federal government get involved. A popular example of censorship protected under the first amendment and freedom of speech is the Westboro…

Words 1222 - Pages 5

Essay on Issue: Censorship

censored for offensive language and behavior. In other countries, there is little or no censorship.” In your view, to what extent should government or any other group be able to censor television or radio programs? Explain, giving relevant reasons and/or examples to support your position. In China, topics like censorship are surrounded with controversies. Journalists often complain that strict censorship for publications and articles abridges the freedom of speech. Movie directors and script…

Words 664 - Pages 3

Essay on Internet Governance

define internet gov. why is IG important? rival visons and CONTROVERSY In an age of globalisation...Internet is rapidly growing so now more then ever there is a higher demand for information. Ig plays a huge role in ensuring that the internet is fuctional, but one question would be who should manage the essential backbone and architeture of the internet in particular the dns, particularly gtld and the allocation of the ip address this are all fundamental needs if the internet is to function…

Words 472 - Pages 2

Political Sci Essay

an objective story that covers current events. The framers believed otherwise. They believed news media was a tool to assist each other on the current issues of economics, society and politics (Greenburg et al.). Many critics today are ! arguing over the bias placed by reporters and journalists and challenge what stories should be considered newsworthy.! ! Today, the focus has shifted from providing news to providing entertainment. Infotain- ment is a term now used for the blending of hard…

Words 1906 - Pages 8

Online Dating And Self Censorship

greatest innovations of the past decade has been the Internet. With the rise of the digital age, mass media has become a paradox to both public and private communication forums. Online dating sites allow individuals to connect and reconnect with loved ones. Nonetheless, the advantages of this platform bring modern threats towards our personal privacy. Privacy is essential to human dignity, autonomy, and security. Privacy is the ability to have control over information about oneself and their own visibility:…

Words 1796 - Pages 8

Essay on Do Consumers Need Stronger Internet Privacy Measures?

Technology has changed over years and developed rapidly during the recent decades, and it has brought enormous impacts on people’s lives, especially the Internet. We have noticed that the Internet has brought us a more convenient and personalized platform where users can instantly share personal information and collect data. While consumers are enjoying the free content and services provided by the websites and companies, they are sometimes completely unaware of the personal or private information…

Words 1547 - Pages 7

Informative Essay: The First Amendment In The United States

Free speech is the ability to express any opinion without censorship and limitation. This liberty is also called freedom of expression, which not only includes verbal communication, but also consists of the Internet, broadcasting, advertising, and film. As stated by US History, “courts have identified three types of free speech, each protected at a different level…” The first type of free…

Words 1735 - Pages 7

Bibliographic essay

English 101 MW, 6:30-7:45 April 26th, 2013 Internet Piracy INTRODUCTION: In our generation today, there is a great deal of sharing files over the internet, whether it be music, movies, documents, or any other kind of media file. The sharing of copy-written material or patented material over the Internet is called Internet piracy, and it is illegal. In the words of Beverly Storrs, “Piracy is the use of another person’s idea, product, or invention without their permission, which is an infringement…

Words 2660 - Pages 11

History Of Print Newspaper

significance of the era of the 'penny press', 'jazz journalism', 'yellow journalism', and 'muckraking.' The history of the printed newspaper in the United States has spanned even before the nations independence. The format and coverage may have changed over the years, but one principle element has remained the same. That element is the dispersion of information. From its humble beginnings during the colonial era in Boston and Philadelphia, the printed newspaper found interest by…

Words 1552 - Pages 7

Law Essay Media Rights 2015

privacy for citizens dealing with the law. This essay will explore how the role of the court and the public play in the judgement between balancing privacy and freedom of expression. It will take a further look at the history, landmark cases, controversies, social beliefs, and trends of an individuals privacy versus the media. The media infringes on individual rights through issues such as publication bans, freedom of the press, and rights of the accused to a fair trial. A public ban can be…

Words 2828 - Pages 12