...For our groups final project topic we decided on Internet censorship in China. This topic in more detail looks at a variety of laws and administrative regulations formed by the government of China, which has caused Chinese citizens to be kept from the many areas of the internet that pertain to a specific idea or event. The government of China has directly blocked many events and topic from there citizens viewing, like, freedom of speech, democracy and Tiananmen Square protest. Also many foreign website have been blocked or restricted for use in China. We will be looking at these events that happen between the years of 2009-2103 that were related to the topic of China’s internet censorship. Some of these events we will be looking at is, the...
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...free speech is one of great importance. When thinking of free speech many issues and topics come into play. Today it seems that free speech in social networking has become increasingly prevalent. Over four hundred million people across the world are involved in some sort of social network, thus the importance of their voice when dealing with free speech. People want their voice to be heard, especially using things such as Twitter and Facebook. The issue of this however concerns the creators and if they should monitor what is being said on these sites. If social networking sites were to monitor our every action and every word, would we feel as if they abide by the freedom of speech law? What if one day you logged onto Facebook and there was a notification telling you that you were being monitored and could no longer say whatever you wanted whenever you wanted? Most of us would be outraged and angry that we could not express our opinions. No one wants to have their voice taken away, especially on a social network where opinions are read every day. The next time you post a status or tweet something, think that at any moment your free speech for that site could be taken away. For this project, I will use the aide of websites, scholarly articles, and journals from the Ball State University database, news networks, and social media sites to...
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...The Internet censorship in China which is controversial is protested by the netizens by the subtle and sarcastic internet meme. With technological development, the Internet is becoming a free and convenient place for sharing views and information instantaneously due to its virtual nature. However, the freedom of Internet may consequently contribute to the antithesis of social norms and copyright so Internet censorship has been proposed for censoring the Internet. The debate of implementing it has been characterized as either machine politics, to attract the support of staunch anti-pornography, or an extension into cyberspace of the ongoing battle between libertarianism and social conservation. This essay will discuss both the advantages and the disadvantages of censoring the Internet in Hong Kong before giving reasons for the position of disagreement. Social filtering prevents the exposure of information that is antithetical to morals. In different aspects, including the gambling sites, pornographic sites and sites promoting criminal activity, can the authority block to the targeted people. Many studies reveal that the mass media gives more considerable effects than others on themselves (Lee, 2005). Helgadóttir (2014) criticizes that the first emergence of the pornographic information to children in Iceland is when they are eleven. There are a great amount of pornographic material which are being easily accessible on the Internet so wrong perception of sex may be distributed...
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...Zhu Reg. No. 110136970 Course: JNL 6032 Media Censorship Course leader: Dr. John Steel Abstract In this essay the recent fashion of Weibo in Chinese media is discussed, especially on the Chinese authorities and government's attitude towards it, moreover and more importantly, the way of how Weibo is being censored is explained. According to previous theories, internet cannot be regarded as a safe and free place for ideas and liberated speeches, Weibo is a good and exaggerated example as it is born in China--a nation long been considered to be less democratic. But is it really true? Was the limit of speech and media censorship really necessary? How does China want to assert them? Introduction As the 'Arab Spring' had cause enormous shake in the Middle East and north Africa, we had witnessed other great overthrows of regimes, and internet undoubtedly participated as a important role in the movement. When another civic protest took place in numerous western countries, we can also sense the huge power emanated by the social networks. The Chinese government was well aware of this, and they had foreseen the danger and unrest that these social networks could bring, 2 years earlier Twitter was officially shut sown---possibly because of the riot in Xinjiang one month before the blocking--and Weibo appeared as a Chinese replica to replace it. As theories have been given suggesting that internet is not a insurance for democracy of freedom...
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...Censorship a Contravention to Freedom of Speech During the 21st century, one of the most important concepts known to people around the world is the freedom of speech. People coming from different countries, having diverse religions and living in dissimilar backgrounds talk about it every day. In some countries people do solicit for it as their right. But the question is, “Is there something called freedom of speech in the first place? Or is it just a fantasy that can never be accomplished? Or are we even talked into thinking that we do possess it?” In the midst of all this bewilderment, the notion of censorship pops up to clarify the image. The word censorship is familiar to people, for everybody has heard about the governmental censorship...
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...democratic nations. The power of social media in China is allowing internet users to express dissatisfaction with the government, even in the face of censorship. The power of social media and its political influence is illustrated through the 2011 Wenzhou train collision case, which ignited outrage from online communities and led to the exposure of corruption amongst government officials. Typically, when a person thinks about the western concept of political influence, voting in a democratic election comes to mind. For the average citizen, their vote represents their voice in politics. If a person is not satisfied with the government or want to voice their concerns, they are able to freely criticize the state or engage in peaceful protests. They may also participate in politics by joining a political party or even forming a new party. The western concept of political influence centers on free speech and acting directly to affect politics. The concept of political influence by the general public in China is vastly different from western norms. The political system in China is not a liberal democracy, thus many foreigners believe that regular citizens have no influence in politics. Although the expression of political dissent in China is not a right of freedom like in democratic nations, the public can still influence everyday politics in subtle ways. The number of internet users in China has reached 618 million at the end of 2013 according to the China Internet Network Information Center...
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...Media Issue Paper and Info. Literacy Worksheet Student’s Name University Affiliation Governments should be allowed to monitor and/or censor the Internet use of citizens Introduction Internet censorship is the restriction of the content that can be accessed, published, or viewed through the internet. In any country, the government has a vital role and responsibility in the enhancement of information and technology. It is the right of everyone to have freedom of opinion and expression. Every person has freedom to hold their own opinions without hindrance and to seek, get and pass information and opinions via any media channels. However, in many countries this important human right is usually curtailed through various ways which include censorship, laws that restrict the press, molestation of journalists and other people who articulate their views and opinions. It is also important any government to monitor and control the information which can be accessed by its citizens without infringing the fundamental right to information and opinions. Failure to censor the internet can cause extreme harm to the citizens or even the government (Constance, Theo & Ina, n.d.). Firstly, if the content that can be accessed or published in the internet is not filtered malicious people can spread information that can jeopardize the security of a country. Many countries argue that lack of internet censorship could lead to spread of secret information that is necessary for protecting the country...
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...affected by censorship on any given day. The book Fahrenheit 451 is about a fireman named Guy Montag who burns books, which are illegal to own, he goes through lots of self-reflection and evaluates his life and the censored world that he is living in. People in the 1950s thought that this censorship world in Fahrenheit 451 was unrealistic but it was actually foreshadowing the future as seen in North Korea’s censorship of the media, social interactions, and outside communications. The government censors all the media in both Fahrenheit 451 and in North Korea. In Fahrenheit 451 the government makes the citizens watch TV walls to brainwash their minds. Montag was talking to his wife Mildred: "Will you turn the parlour off?" he asked. "That's my family" (Bradbury, 46)....
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...A Free and Open Internet Byron Carter DeVry University A Free and Open Internet During an August 2007 performance by the rock group Pearl Jam in Chicago, AT&T censored words from lead singer Eddie Vedder’s performance. The ISP (Internet Service Provider), which was responsible for streaming the concert, shut off the sound as Vedder sang, “George Bush, leave this world alone” and “George Bush find yourself another home.” By doing so, AT&T, the self-advertised presenting sponsor of the concert series, denied viewers the complete exclusive coverage they were promised. Although Vedder’s words contained no profanity, an AT&T spokesperson claimed that the words were censored to prevent youth visiting the website from being exposed to “excessive profanity.” AT&T then blamed the censorship on an external website contractor hired to screen the performance, calling it a mistake and pledging to restore the unedited version of Vedder’s appearance online. (Stanley, 2010). So far, in this country there has only been incidents like this. This kind of censoring behavior has not become the normal mode of operation for the internet in the United States, but around the globe censorship takes many forms. The internet in this country is open and free due to net neutrality. Not every country around the world is as luck as the U.S., but how long will the luck hold out. There are those, here and abroad, that are trying to control the flow of the internet. Net neutrality needs...
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...The Internet makes information instantly available to people from all around the world. The Internet provides access to information on literally any subject a person could possibly think of. It is an amazing tool that has a wide range of uses, but the convenience it provides presents some issues. Pornography is the first thing that comes to my mind. Before the Internet, a person had to have a physical copy of a pornographic movie in order to view one. In the present day, anyone do a Google search and have access to a multitude of pornographic videos for free. Governments have recognized the issues that the Internet presents and have attempted to regulate the Internet in various ways. Many attempts have not been completely successful though,...
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...Chinese Censorship is a Contradicting Problem In the contemporary society, with internet expansion the world is extending to be an Information Age. Due to the expansion, a large amount of sensitive information that governments disagree with is widely and rapidly spread. In order to control the dramatic increase of this sensitive information censorship occurs. According to a report, censorship is defined as “…one of the tools used by governments to filter out unwanted information and to prevent the spread through the World Wide Web”. (Antonio Lupetti) In many countries around the world, government censors restrict access to certain kinds of material for their citizens such as movies with sexual content, news with political ideas, and violent video games. Based on the latest data, censorship is a phenomenon of staggering proportions that affects over 25% of the global population. China, with a population of over 1.3 billion people and 360 million active users of the Internet is by far the nation in which the censors’ activity affects the highest number of citizens (China). It is well known among the Chinese that Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are all blocked in China because there is too much sensitive information on them. It is clear that since censorship has begun in China, it has hindered China from developing, updating information and limited the freedom of speech. Censorship has been used in China for centuries. According to the Baidu Encyclopedia which is a very popular...
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...Censorship of the Internet – a detriment or a necessity? Kelly Chan A research paper for Matthew Mansour in response to: Throughout the world there has been an increase in discussions regarding “Censorship of the Internet, explain how Censorship can work in some instances but in others it can be a detriment to society. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 What is Censorship? 3.1 Self Censorship 3.2 Censorship as Protection 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...
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...amongst youngster can be used for educational or leisure purposes, parents should still ensure that there is adequate censorship in the usage of technology to curb negative and advanced information and images for their kids. Today’s youngsters live in a world that is heavily influenced by digital devices and online platforms. Among parents of 13- to 17-year-olds, 94% own a desktop or laptop computer; 76% own a smartphone; 72% use Facebook; and 84% go online at least occasionally using a smartphone, tablet or other mobile handheld device according to Pew Research Center studies, 2015). As can be determined from the highlighted statistics, it is practically norm for every household to have access to technology through these different devices. From these items, access to the worldwide web can be gained granting entrée to unsecured internet pages, and amongst many others, the great range of social media applications such as Instagram, SnapChat, YouTube, Netflix, Twitter and Pinterest. In many cases, parents provide their children with these tools (smart phones, tablets, computers etc.) for either educational purposes where necessary, or in other cases simply for their children’s leisure. In the same regard, parents should ensure taking action to limit or prohibit their children from having access to certain information on the web, television, radio, social media and even music. Parents who grant their children access to these forms of recreation, should be involved at all times...
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...Censorship and the Chinese Communist Party: Sustainable Progress? The Communist Party of China despite the perceived benefits of Internet freedom has gone to great lengths to censor information and electronic communication of its people. Spending billions of dollars and a staggering amount of manpower, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to filter its Internet causing human rights activists and political dissidents to cry foul. However, the CCP has successfully found an impossible balance between censoring content they deem subversive while taking away the opportunity for horizontal mobilization against the party all the while still taking an approach that doesn’t completely ban access to the internet allowing China to not fall behind other internet oriented countries. Although many argue that electronic censorship of any kind is detrimental to human and political rights at the expense of the regime’s power, the CCP’s approach in selective censorship of the Internet while maintaining the growth of the Internet as a budding industry has proven largely successful. The Communist Party’s recognition of the Internet as one of China’s greatest assets paired with its selective censorship of its content and its users continues to solidify the CCP’s power as the single party of China. Its continuation of censorship bears positive implications for China politically in strengthening national sovereignty, economically in improving economic prosperity, and socially in protecting...
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...Abstract In this era of information, Internet and censorship are considered to be opposite to each other. Where internet is the source of worldwide knowledge and censorship is the policy to censor some of the information which can cause any type of disruption. In Pakistan, the use of this new technology is under practice with the control of censorship on some content. This research paper looks at the measurements taken by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to control the censored information and block the sites which holds the improper and immoral information. The paper tends to find the historical background of the internet censorship in Pakistan holding the precautionary measures taken by PTA and how the religious values are protected by blocking various anti-Islamic sites. The guidelines are being followed by the Government of Pakistan in order to supervise the censored material on the internet. Introduction Censorship is the act or policy of omitting the obscene, corrupt and politically dangerous content form the books, movies/ films etc. (Wikipedia) Internet censorship is to restrict every type of content that includes immoral and offensive approach. (Wikipedia) Till 2010 in Pakistan, people had the open and unrestricted access to every kind of religious, political, social and sexual escalating content on the internet. The websites offering the critical content against Pakistani government and military are also banned. Pakistan government has not really...
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