General Discussions

In an attempt to liven up the boards, I've got a few topics to talk about. When I feel one topic has died, I'll post the next one.

First up. Internet Censorship. How do you feel about it? Should we have it? Does it go against our rights? We all know here on Chu we've got the right to free speech, for the most part. Should it be that way on all sites? Freedom of speech with certain exceptions such as attacking other individuals? How about in public places such as Libraries and Internet Cafes?

Here's an article that poses some very good questions as well: Link

Oh, and sorry for the typo in the name.

[Edited by Toastman, 4/24/2010 7:46:17 PM]

Funny you bring this up. last semester i did a project/ presentation about censorship. I feel that we should be allowed to have our opinions, but not be allowed to attack others, like you mentioned. But in some cases, what we have to say may not be suitable for some people to read, in the case that we dont know who is going to be reading what we put on the screen.

going as far as removing what we say from existance, is too much. But i think we should all filter our words, and make sure that what we say is suitable for all ages. unless you are sending a private message to someone, in which case i dont really care how you decide to talk.

If a child's parent doesn't want them to view specific content, they shouldn't let them. Having the government step in and decide what's safe and what isn't would be a waste of effort and money, not to mention pointless.

I understand and agree fully with that. My point in saying it, was that I know first hand that parents don't know or see everything that their children do on the internet.

My post wasn't intended as a reply to yours, but I can see what you're saying. Most people are already careful of what they say online, though. People already try to present a safe environment for children, the parent just has to check in on their kid every once in a while.

[Edited by Paradox, 4/24/2010 3:20:55 PM]

This is actually quite a relevant issue.

A US Appeals Court recently ruled against government regulation of the internet, which would unavoidably lead to government censorship.

Freedom of Speech only applies to government. Private companies and private websites can restrict flow of information as much as they want via a Terms of Services. What I am more worried about is how much privacy in terms of what is available to the internet. We all know why Google hates China (if you didn't, it's because China forced its way into Google accounts for proof to go arrest activist).

If you want a great example of Internet Censorship at its finest, look at China. Some questionable moves by their firewall, but if the government is back against the wall, the only way to stay in power is to literally eliminate anyone who opposes you in that style of government.

[Edited by Neo7, 4/24/2010 3:51:57 PM]

Most people? Are you kidding? Over 12 percent of all internet sites are porn sites. That's an eighth of the entire internet. One out of every eight sites. Most people go to to more than eight sites alone per visit to the internet. Have you ever heard of 4chan? That's practically the face of all the wrong of the internet. And it's also one of the most visited sites on the internet.

Parents may think they've got a good hold on their children and the internet. But did you know that 90% of kids between the ages of 8 and 16 have already viewed porn online. Most of which is while doing homework.