Censorship of the Internet

1.0 Introduction

The Internet has undoubtedly developed into the biggest source of global information and media since its modest inception in the late 1960’s. With the increasing ease of worldwide access due to cheaper methods of producing technology and education, bridging the digital divide. However, Government censorship and regulation of access to certain content available on the internet in various countries has raised issues about whether it is effective, regarding each country’s purpose in imposing censorship and whether it is detrimental to the growth in knowledge and progress of society.

In this research paper, the role of Censorship in society and the inherent need for appropriate regulation of different levels of access to available information, based on morals and the responsibility we have to the younger generation to protect them from unsuitable content is discussed along with the technology we have to ensure this.

The varying degrees of censorship between China and Australia will also be comparatively examined in order to demonstrate the restrictive grip it may have on society in terms of freedom of speech, expression and quality of information and how it represents the present state of our global society and the counter-effects it may have as a result.

Finally, the importance of Censorship or internet security as a security measure for the storage and transfer of sensitive, confidential information as well as a means to keep the information available for all end users in order to keep the Internet a credible source of information and knowledge is explored.

2.0 What is Censorship?

Internet Censorship can be broadly defined as the “suppression of ideas, information or artistic expression by anyone, whether government officials, church authorities, private pressure groups, or speakers.” In essence, government censorship of the Internet can be categorised into four categories:

1. Government policy to encourage Internet industry self-regulation and end-user voluntary use of filtering/blocking technologies;

2. Criminal law penalties applicable to content providers who make content “unsuitable for minors” available online;

3. Government mandated blocking of access to content deemed unsuitable for adults; and

4. Government prohibition of public access to the Internet.

2.1 Self-Censorship

The use of self-censorship, through the use of filtering/blocking technologies reflects the increase in understanding of the evolving nature of the Internet by end users as they become more aware of the personal options they have regarding what and