The Controversy Of Internet Censorship

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Presently, many public schools and libraries limit access to the internet on their computers using filtering software. They censor websites based on texts, images, third party ratings, and much more ("Statement on Library Use of Filtering"). The purpose of filters is to screen out harmful or inappropriate material, while still allowing access to educational web pages. A significant amount of the internet is used for harassment, the planning of terrorist attacks, cyber-bullying, and conveying harmful views. Many web pages exist that promote the detriment of specific groups of people, such as LGBT people, Muslims, and African Americans. These websites target children and influence them online. (Hudson - "Hate Speech Online"). Furthermore, the internet is filled with obscene images and child pornography. The blockage of these damaging sites is why many supporters of internet censorship believe it is important to filter public computers. …show more content…

In 1998, a minor in Livermore, California downloaded a pornographic image from their library computer. The parents attempted to sue the library claiming that they needed to install a filter. The case was dismissed by the state superior court, but internet censorship was beginning to become a major social issue. In November of the same year, a federal judge in Virginia removed a law from effect that enforced a public library to install filtering software on both adult’s and children’s computers. The policy was withdrawn due to its violation of the first amendment. Although internet censorship rules were not yet being enacted by the government, many legislators continued to proceed forward in creating filtering