Chapter 2: Regulating the Net: Free Speech and Content Control

“Fahrenheit 451.2: Is Cyberspace Burning?”

Learning Expectations:

            I expect to know what they mean when they say that cyberspace is burning.

Quote:

            “Today, all that we have achieved may now be lost, if not in the bright flames of censorship then in the dense smoke of the many ratings and blocking schemes promoted by some of the very people who fought for freedom. And in the end, we may find that the censors have indeed succeeded in ‘burning down the house to roast the pig.’”

Book Review:

            I believe that the internet today is far more obscene than any other forms of media. People have abused and misused free speech on the Internet. As a result, the morale level among the community is gradually decreasing. The ACLU proposed that free speech in the Internet should be highly protected too as compared to the protection granted to books and other periodicals.

            Self-rating is subject to biases which will result into unfair evaluations. I think what ACLU should consider is to carefully select individuals who will do the ratings. Standards like adequate education, positive moral standing, and good intellectual capacity are in my opinion, the best qualities a rater must have.  

            For me this is justifiable because this will regulate all information streamed on the Internet. There should be standards that must be set to ensure that the public is safe from obscene acts.

Integrative Questions:

1. In what ways does free speech in the Internet can be violated?
2. What are some visible measures in controlling free speech in the Internet?
3. Who should website rating be assigned to?