Free Speech and the InternetLast updated on June 26, 1996
The Internet Community and the Global Village that you've been hearing and reading about lately really exists. Its mores and social values have been evolving since the 1970s when the earliest components of the Internet began to take shape. Its earliest users, principally in the academic, government and military research establishments, largely set the framework for the core values it embraces today. Not surprisingly then, one of the most firmly established ideas on the Internet is a strong commitment to freedom of speech, in practice as well as in theory. Netizens take this freedom very seriously. Many will argue that strict adherence to this tenet may have helped to hasten the downfall of the Soviet Empire and encourage the rise of democracy in Eastern Europe shortly after Mikhail Gorbachov permitted unrestricted Internet access in the former Soviet Union. They may be right. In any case, it is becoming apparent that the Internet has great potential as an instrument of social change and social evolution. In the hands of a diverse community, without any central control over content, most believe we can expect only good things. In the hands of a single governing entity, with strong control over content, most believe we can expect a very bleak and Orwellian future. The lessons of history are clear on this point. As in any other diverse community, there is a wide range of political and social opinion on the Internet. You just read some. Nowadays, you can find almost any artistic, social, political, philosophical and religious view touted at one site or another. The breadth and vivid color of the spectrum of opinions expressed is simply dazzling. You will almost certainly find things to agree with and admire and things to irritate, anger and disgust you, as well. The Internet Community tolerates all points of view and all forms of expression, regardless of content. The Internet Community has vehemently resisted recent attempts of several governments to restrict or censor content, and it can be expected to continue to do so. For the most part, the Internet Community, itself, governs behavior of its citizens through comment, criticism and argument - all dependent, of course, on freedom of speech and expression. The bottom line is this: When you find a site on the Internet with content that seriously offends you for whatever reason - and you will find some doozies - let the creators of the site know this in no uncertain terms. Let them know exactly what offended you and why. Most creators of Internet resources provide channels for receiving feedback from their users. Let the Internet service provider hosting the site that offended you know what you think, as well. You may be pleasantly surprised by the response you get. And feel free to tell others, via email or postings to newsgroups, what you found that you didn't like and why. Nothing discourages some kinds of shady behavior better than casting the limelight on it. But remember - there are those who revel in public misbehavior. Bringing attention to them may only help to publicize what you despise. Sometimes the best thing to do is to do nothing at all. You're the captain of your own soul. You judge what is good or bad for you, personally. But remember - in a larger sense, the international Internet Community, itself, is the ultimate judge. It's already made its decision - anything goes. But on June 15, 1995, the U.S. Congress passed into law Senator Jim Exon's Communications Decency Act. So whatever it is you saw that offended you - don't worry - Congress is on the job. Don't you feel better already? What no one should do is presume to restrict the rights of others who do not share their points of view to access any site on the Internet. Exposure and argument is fine - censorship is not. As we expect our own views to receive a fair hearing we must tolerate alternate points of view, as well. It's that simple. Forcing sites off the Internet is tantamount to book burning.
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