Final Essay

Internet Censorship

Throughout the history, censorship has been used in different ways, and since the internet was invented, there have been many attempts to censor it. Many regulations were developed to be implemented in the virtual world, yet the enormous size of it is standing in the way. As these regulations and laws are being developed, a conflict is being created between a supporter and an oppositionist of the idea, creating a big debate between the two sides. Schell(2014) mentioned that, an argument has been rising around the world over the internet freedom against the censorship of offensive content. Although some people claim that internet censorship is unnecessary, others believe that there should be internet censorship for certain

However, the restricted contents online are the offensive, inappropriate, or dangerous ones. According to Oh & Aukerman(2013), online contents related to child pornography, defamation, and fraud are restricted as these are examples of illegal activities most countries have laws against. Other improper contents, pornography, gambling, and religiously offensive contents, are restricted to provide appropriate online surfing for the users. In addition, the restricted contents are chosen according to the country’s beliefs and principles and to what the government sees the best. Zha(2007) mentioned that, all governments regularly do what they believe best and restrict the information according to their moral principles. Furthermore, there are some situations where certain information has to be hidden for the country’s benefit and security, and not all information should be available for everyone. Schell(2014) gave an example in his book of an American soldier, Bradley Manning, who transmitted secret documents while in Iraq on duty and stationed in the field over the internet for citizens or even the enemy to view. The case shows how important it is to restrict some information in certain situations for the country’s security and

Internet censorship should always take place and the internet regulations should be implemented for three certain reasons. First, restricted Information is either inappropriate or dangerous. MUTHAMA(2013) mentioned that, internet regulations for users and service providers are important to protect access to illegal information. Second, governments try to provide protection for online users as well as providing more internet access. Schell (2014) mentioned that, government leaders and citizens adopt support for the concept of internet freedom. Third, through the alternative ways of using the internet like VPNs and deep web, users expose themselves to the risk of malware and breach. Johnson (2014) mentioned that the deep web browser “Tor” is mostly named in articles relating to illegal activities through its network. No country can be created with any laws or regulations to mentor the people and to control the country’s affairs. Therefore, in my opinion, a virtual world is no different, and regulations must be implemented to have a peaceful online