Censorship

Sharon Chan

Due to the wide range of uses the internet offers, many users have become dependent on it. Major companies, associations and even schools are adapting themselves in this new information technology-based world. Internet has developed into a main source of information for employees, customers and students. As there is no technique to limit internet usage to a certain group of individuals, it becomes dangerously exposed to the younger and innocent children. Without proper surveillance or guidance, young people are prone to exposure from all sorts of information such as pornography, violence, drug use and racial discrimination acts. Indecent information that is attained by the younger generation is proven to be harmful as their minds are still developing and are unable to differentiate the right from wrong.

Various organisations have identified the dangers of an uncensored internet space available to the public and are working hard towards passing legislations to ban obscene materials from being posted on the web. However, there have been several problems attaining proper legislations to this as many have argued that it contradicts the freedom of speech and expression ideals. Supreme courts have been making it difficult for laws to be passed regarding the rights of internet usage. Nevertheless, legislations have been passed to obstruct, in particular, pornographic materials from schools, offices libraries and other federal departments [1]. On the other hand, the current situation is bleak in terms of home surveillance. There have been relentless pursuits of laws and restrictions to be placed on home usage of the internet. In the meantime, whilst all effort is put into doing so, it is up to parents to guide and constantly watch over their children over their use of the internet [1].

Internet censorship presents a stiff challenge for the future of cyberspace. If there is no proper planning, the cyberspace may well be flooded with obscene, rude and indecent, rather than useful and entertaining materials. A possible development to aid this situation is to set up a department designated to internet use and censorship. This will bring upon changes to the current free-for-all-to-use conditions. Addressing censorships may be a long, tough road to endure, but it is certainly worth the effort to ensure a bright future for cyber world.

Reference:

1. Electronic Privacy Infromation Center (2002). Internet Censorship.