The Internet is a space of free and open expression. Unfortunately, Internet censorship is becoming more prevalent worldwide for diverse reasons, including national, information, and private security. The double-edged sword of technology provides tools for Internet censorship while also providing ways to fight back.
What is censorship？
Censorship refers to suppressing or controlling information, ideas, or artistic expression by an authority, such as governments, organizations, or individuals. Censorship aims to restrict or manipulate what people see, hear, or read, often to maintain control, protect specific values, or suppress dissenting opinions.
Internet-wide censorship varies from country to country. Some countries moderately censor the Internet, while others restrict access to news and other information, thereby stifling and suppressing public debate.
What’s the history of censorship?
The history of censorship stretches back thousands of years and has evolved alongside human societies. Let’s follow the course of history to understand the development of censorship better.
Ancient times
Censorship practices can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece, playwrights and poets had to submit their works for approval before a public performance.
Medieval and Renaissance period
During the Middle Ages, religious authorities played a significant role in censorship. The Catholic Church, for example, maintained an Index of prohibited books and often censored works that challenged religious doctrines or were considered heretical. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century increased the dissemination of information, prompting authorities to impose stricter control over printed materials.
Enlightenment era
The Enlightenment period in the 17th and 18th centuries they brought about a push for freedom of expression and the exchange of ideas. Thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire advocated for the freedom to express opinions and criticized state-imposed censorship. However, censorship persisted in many parts of the world, including Europe, where governments continued to restrict publications and control the dissemination of information.
Modern era
The 19th and 20th centuries saw censorship take various forms across different regions. During war or political unrest, governments often intensified their censorship efforts to control information and suppress dissent. For example, during World War I and II, censorship was employed to control wartime propaganda, restrict critical reporting, and ensure morale.
Digital age
Censorship has taken on new dimensions. Governments and corporations now grapple with the challenges of regulating online content, monitoring communication channels, and managing the spread of misinformation.
As technology continues to advance and societies evolve, the history of censorship serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to strike a balance between the need to protect specific interests and the preservation of fundamental freedoms.
Why is censorship allowed?
Censorship exists in various forms and is allowed for various reasons, though the justifications can vary depending on the context and the governing body.
But from a country, a community, to a company, everyone needs to have systems and rules in place for the whole society to run smoothly. Based on common characteristics, censorship is allowed to exist for specific reasons.
It can strengthen national security by keeping information away from enemies. It can protect people from slander intentionally making a false accusation or claim against someone in order to hurt their reputation or violent threats.
It is essential to recognize the harmful and benefits of censorship and advocate for freedom of expression, access to information, and the protection of individual rights. Promoting transparency, fostering open dialogue, and supporting platforms that value diverse perspectives can help counteract the adverse impact of censorship on individuals and society.
Forms of censorship
How does censorship happen?
In today’s digital society, censorship can be enforced at any point when browsing the Internet. The websites you try to visit, the accounts you log into, your browsing history, and all Internet traffic is recorded.
It includes your device (smartphone, laptop, etc.). Your local network (your home WiFi, your work WiFi, etc.), usually seen on university or workplace WiFi networks with these types of blocking that restrict users from accessing certain content.
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP), the ISP has access to most of your information and has the power to block specific websites or the entire Internet from operating or not. The government can force ISPs to censor, effectively blocking censored content from everyone in the country.
Governments or organizations may employ technology tools to filter or block specific websites, social media platforms, or online content. The most common technical approach for content filtering is through IP blocking: Blocking Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, denying access to a specific IP address.
How can censorship limit people’s freedom?
Internet censorship can limit individuals’ freedom of expression by restricting their access to websites where they can speak freely. For example, social media platforms and general news sites are blocked in different regions every year. Such censorship may include government monitoring of citizens’ Internet activity and speech.
Censors attempt to restrict freedom of thought and expression by limiting spoken language, print, symbolic messages, freedom of association, books, art, music, movies, television programs, and Internet sites. When the government engages in censorship, First Amendment freedoms are implicated.
And this surveillance can make people uncomfortable expressing themselves freely. The Internet environment that seeks to be open, accessible, and fair is being challenged and experiencing the effects of this blockage.
While official agencies can use significant resources to create and maintain censorship systems, most Internet users still have difficulty accessing blocked sensitive information.
Restriction of freedom of speech
Censorship limits people’s ability to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas freely. When individuals cannot voice their perspectives or challenge prevailing narratives, it stifles creativity, innovation, and intellectual growth.
Suppression of information
Censorship can prevent people from accessing critical information, alternative viewpoints, or news that may be vital for making informed decisions. When access to diverse sources of information is restricted, it hampers the development of well-rounded perspectives and inhibits the pursuit of knowledge. During wartime, it is often possible to block Twitter or Facebook’s Internet sites locally. The use of VPNs allows people to bypass restrictions by installing software.
Lack of awareness and manipulation
Censorship can lead to a lack of awareness or understanding of critical social issues. When specific topics, events, or opinions are deliberately suppressed, especially in the case of political or war events, blocked objective and rational information can influence people to engage in meaningful discussion and make informed judgments. It can also allow authorities to manipulate public opinion by controlling available information and turning right and wrong upside down.
Impact on personal development
Censorship can hinder personal growth and development by limiting exposure to different ideas, cultures, and perspectives. It restricts the ability to explore diverse opinions and engage in critical thinking, essential for intellectual and personal growth. It also constrains artistic expression, intellectual exploration, and cultural development.
Violation of human rights
Censorship infringes upon fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech, expression, and access to information. These rights are vital for a democratic society, individual autonomy, and the protection of human dignity.
Contemporary challenges and resistance
Today, censorship remains a contentious issue globally. Some countries moderate Internet censorship, while others restrict access to news and other information, thereby stifling and suppressing public debate. Internet censorship may also occur in response to or anticipating elections, protests, and riots. Activists, journalists, and organizations continue to fight for freedom of expression, access to information, and protection of individual rights in the face of censorship.
