Linked Table of Content

• No Harsh Regulations Required

• Restrictions On Hateful Content Needed

• Conclusion

• Frequently Asked Questions

The Internet has given voice to millions of people across the world. People would earlier hesitate to speak or had no platform to put forward their views. Freedom of speech is an important part of the constitution in democratic countries and the Internet has become an essential part of people’s fundamental right to speak in today’s world. Also, the Internet has become a platform for learning, trade, communication and entertainment. Unfortunately, it is being misused as well by anti-social elements. Should there be stricter federal restrictions on content on the Internet?

No Harsh Regulations Required

Those in favour of regulation say hateful and extremist views get spreaded online. The right group’s opine stricter regulations might curtail freedom of speech. There shouldn’t be explicit rules about what is or is not allowed on the Internet. Authorities can misuse such restrictions to suppress dissent. In the name of regulating online content, a regime can stifle the voices of its critics.

We don’t need regulations that block the views of the left or right and the conservatives or the liberals. We must respect our differences and engage opposing ideas in a spirit of humility. Acceptance of those differences makes us better people. We should not be so hard-line in regulation that we take full control of the free flow of the ideas and views online. But then, we must be hard-line enough to send a message that they won’t be lenient on hateful and extremist content.

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Restrictions On Hateful Content Needed

There is a flood of fake news and misinformation online. Hateful and sexual content goes viral on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Such content spreads like wildfire on social media platforms. Platforms like YouTube let people produce and share the content of their choice. These companies have their own rules to check on misleading and hateful content. But such online content continues to spread on these platforms.

Hateful content divides our society and often incites violence. The rapid spread of fake news has also led to violent confrontations. So, there should be strict restrictions on creating and sharing sexually-abusive and hateful content. Experts should frame guidelines to determine what is communal and sexually explicit. Facebook and Twitter are not held responsible when someone misuses their platforms. They don’t get reprimanded for the spread of fake news and misleading information. A chemical company has to abide by environmental regulations. Similarly, social media platforms must also operate under certain regulations.

There is yet another issue about kids. Nowadays, many children have access to the Internet. It means they can watch and listen to things that people of their age should not. For example, a nine-year-old kid can watch pornographic content, knowingly or unknowingly, on the Internet, and that should not happen. Hence, there should be age-related restrictions on online content. 

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Conclusion

We cannot afford to impose blanket restrictions on content as it will clash with the idea of free speech. Diversity of opinion is positive, and we must celebrate it. We should not condemn it in the name of regulations. At the same time, we cannot allow content that spreads hate and incite violence in a civilized society. We cannot allow the Internet to become a weapon of destruction. Conversations on how content should be regulated to cut its social costs are needed.

I don’t believe there should be stricter federal restrictions on content on the Internet. But we cannot allow hateful and violent propaganda on the Internet. So, there should be a system in place that flags and removes hateful and sexually-abusive materials from the digital space.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which countries have banned the Internet? 

North Korea, Syria, and Vietnam are among countries where the Internet is banned.

• Which countries have imposed a ban on social media?

Social media sites are completely banned in North Korea. Residents of China and Iran have restricted access to Facebook and Twitter. Sri Lanka recently blocked access to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

• Which country has the best Internet freedom?

Iceland ranks first in terms of Internet freedom with 96 index points on the Freedom House Index. It determines the obstacles in accessing and violations of Internet usage. 

• What is censorship of the Internet?

Internet censorship is the practice of blocking or restricting access to websites or specific online content.

• What is considered good online content?

A good example of content is one that delivers the message in an unbiased way. It is not restricted to text alone, but also uses graphics or videos. It is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

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