Internet Censorship + The Law Being an Ass

[~*~ k a t e ~*~]

I think this essay is a few years old now, but I discovered and read it for the first time just now. Basically, it deals with just how out-of-control censorship of The Internet is getting (and may well become).

I remember watching the movie "The People Vs. Larry Flynt" a year or so ago, then reading up on the case, and suddenly getting very defensive of freedom of speech/expression. The case-studies included here seem to be even more outrageous - only this time it seems that sometimes you don't even get a chance to argue your case in court!

A Universal, Borderless Medium, You Say?? (http://www.spaink.net/english/osce_internetfreedom.html)

[Estelle]

Thanks for that link Katy. It certainly looks worth a read. I will read it as soon as my printer is back working (I find reading long articles onscreen just too much). The increased censorship of this (and every other) medium is something we all need to be aware of and oppose. but then, there's nothing that scares Them so much as the freedom of the people to communicate freely with each other.

Estelle

[WD12]

Looks interesting, and way too long to read now. I have my feelings about censorship of any kind relating to adult material, available TO adults, I don't like it.

I have a somewhat off-topic comment though. I once saw Larry Flint debate Rev. Jerry Fallwell, (for those who don't know, Flint is a famous publisher of Hustler magazine, as hard-core a magazine as can be found in regular establishments, and Fallwell is religious fundamentalist. To be honest, I have little use for either of these guys.

After the debate I had more respect for both of them. Flint spoke as a staunch supporter of free speech and Fallwell spoke in protection of public decency. What softened my view of each man was they spoke to each other with respect and sometimes humor, while still making their points. I was surprised.

[Estelle]

That surprises me too, WD. Being English, I have little direct experience of Falwell, but what I have heard I don't like. It is good to hear that he can debate fairly.

I have now read the article and it certainly brings up points that should concern any lover of free speech. There is much censorship by government (including that in UK) that should concern us but when censorship by government or corporate entity (in this case from USA) affects the rights of access to information in my, or any other, country, then I am both concerned and angry.

The debate on censorship is endless. My own position which I have stated before is that I oppose ALL censorship, no matter what. There are many opinions that I find repugnant and dangerous, many ideas that I would like to see the back of. However, if I give houseroom to censorship of someone else's thought, then I concede their right to censor mine. I am not prepared to do that.

Censorship never kills ideas. It just forces them underground. I believe that dangerous ideas forced underground are far more dangerous than dangerous ideas out in the open, where they can be debated and challenged. What is more, my dearly held beliefs may well be someone else's dangerous ideas (almost certainly are!!).

Estelle