Internet censorship

Definition

Internet censorship refers to the control or suppression of what can be accessed, published, or viewed on the internet by governments, organizations, or individuals. This practice raises significant questions about freedom of expression and access to information, as it can restrict the flow of ideas and limit users' ability to engage with diverse viewpoints.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Countries like China and North Korea are known for extensive internet censorship practices, blocking access to foreign websites and controlling online content.
2. Internet censorship can take various forms including filtering, blocking specific websites, and monitoring online activities of users.
3. In many cases, internet censorship is justified by governments as a means to protect national security or maintain social order.
4. Activists argue that internet censorship infringes on basic human rights, particularly the right to free speech and access to information.
5. Efforts to combat internet censorship include using virtual private networks (VPNs) and other technologies to bypass restrictions and access blocked content.

Review Questions

• How does internet censorship impact freedom of expression in different countries?
  • Internet censorship significantly impacts freedom of expression by limiting individuals' ability to share their thoughts and access a variety of perspectives. In countries with strict censorship laws, citizens often face repercussions for speaking out against the government or accessing forbidden information. This environment fosters self-censorship where individuals refrain from expressing dissenting views due to fear of consequences.
• Discuss the relationship between net neutrality and internet censorship. How can the absence of net neutrality contribute to increased censorship?
  • Net neutrality ensures that all internet traffic is treated equally without discrimination. Without this principle in place, internet service providers may prioritize certain content over others or block access to specific sites altogether. This creates a situation where only selected voices are amplified while others are silenced, leading to increased internet censorship as certain viewpoints are favored or suppressed by those who control access.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies employed to combat internet censorship. What challenges do activists face in promoting internet freedom?
  • Activists employ various strategies such as using VPNs, proxy servers, and encryption tools to bypass internet censorship. While these methods can be effective in accessing blocked content, challenges remain due to increasing government surveillance and technological advancements that allow for more sophisticated tracking and filtering. Additionally, legal repercussions for circumventing censorship laws pose significant risks for activists seeking to promote internet freedom in restrictive environments.

Related terms

Net Neutrality: The principle that internet service providers must treat all data on the internet equally and not discriminate or charge differently by user, content, website, platform, application, or method of communication.

Digital Divide: The gap between individuals who have easy access to digital technology and the internet and those who do not, often due to socioeconomic factors.

Surveillance: The monitoring of behavior, activities, or information for the purpose of influencing, managing, directing, or protecting people.