Censorship of the Internet

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“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” - George Washington. Freedom of speech is one of the universal declarations of human right, created on the 10th of December 1948. It is the complete opposite of what censorship of the internet entails. “This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by a public authority and regardless of frontiers.” Censorship of the internet not only goes directly against this, but it prevents a free flow of information, our ability to communicate as a society and places governments in control of our rights of expression. There are many different opinions backing and opposing regulations of the web. People argue that because it can be freely accessed by anyone, there is a high possibility that their children will be exposed too explicit websites, for example pop up websites containing pornography. This threats their innocence and damages their views on the world around them. Other issues parents have is with cyber bulling, as 43% of kids have been bullied online at one point in their lives. Online, people have the ability to write anonymously, encouraging them to be more explicit in their opinions, as they feel there will be no repercussions. This makes the internet an unhealthy medium, as these views can show prejudice and insult others. 'Stranger danger' is another dilemma, especially when there are children exploring the internet, and revealing too much information to the wrong people, because of false pretence. In 2006, 14% of adolescence posted their names, addresses, numbers or schools. The web is a quick way to spread information which, if false, can have di... ... middle of paper ... ...tranger danger. In relation to the spread of information, it is far better to have a few miscalculated facts than a lock down on all worldly happenings. Our society is advancing through the internet, not digressing from it. We are learning to be more understanding and stand up for each other because of it, as it creates links around the globe. We are able to remain in contact with old friends, keeping relationships going, and making contact with people we would never meet in our lives away from the computer screen. It exposes us to so much, and opens are minds to the world, providing an opportunity for expression, and a chance to have an impact on the world and each other. To censor the internet would not only be a great injustice to all the advancements we have made through this immense mass of networks, but a crime against humanity and its freedoms themselves.

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