Module 8 DB

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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659

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Communications

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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After reading about the idea of freedom of online speech, discuss the following: Should internet content be censored? Explain using examples. Should an internet provider be liable for the content that appears online? Why or why not? Use recent, relevant examples from the news to support your position. Should internet content be censored? Explain using examples. The subject of internet censorship is a topic that generates significant debate and discussion within academic circles. There exists a divergence of opinions about the need of imposing limitations on certain forms of online material, with proponents contending that such restrictions are vital, while opponents claim that they infringe upon the principles of free speech (Gaille, 2019). Advocates of internet censorship argue that it has the potential to safeguard minors from detrimental materials, such as explicit content and aggressive depictions. Furthermore, it has the potential to mitigate the dissemination of false information and misinformation. Conversely, those who are in opposition to internet censorship believe that it has the capability to repress divergent viewpoints and impede the exercise of freedom of expression (Gaille, 2019). In China, for instance, the government censors’ content that criticizes the Communist Party or promotes democracy ( Moderating Online Content: Fighting Harm or Silencing Dissent? , 2021). During periods of political unrest, the Turkish government has blocked access to social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook ( Moderating Online Content: Fighting Harm or Silencing Dissent? , 2021). In both instances, the internet has been censored to suppress dissenting opinions. While internet censorship can be used to protect people from harmful content and prevent the spread of fake news and propaganda, it can also be used to suppress free speech and dissenting opinions. It is important to strike a balance between protecting people from harmful content and preserving free speech. Should an internet provider be liable for the content that appears online? Why or why not? Use recent, relevant examples from the news to support your position. An internet service provider (ISP) should not be held liable for most content posted on the web. They are only providing the service, not putting any information on it. If an ISP is liable for all things being posted, it would be hard to keep ISPs in business because there will always be false, illegal, or obscene information being posted. If a service provider is intentionally contributing to the wrongdoing or providing the false information, then yes, actions should be taken against them. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields internet platforms from liability for much of what its users post. In the United States, federal law protects ISPs that follow the rules. They cannot be held liable as a publisher of third-party content, nor can they be held liable for

After reading about the idea of freedom of online speech, discuss the following: Should internet content be censored? Explain using examples. Should an internet provider be liable for the content that appears online? Why or why not? Use recent, relevant examples from the news to support your position. exercising "traditional editorial functions," such as deciding whether to publish, retract, postpone, or modify third-party content. Congress and the courts have supported the ISPs' position and established guidelines allowing them to avoid liability for the millions of pieces of digital data passing through their portals (A. A., 2023). The New York Times talks about how the liability protection provided by Section 230 also extends to fringe sites known for harboring hate speech, anti-Semitic content, racist motifs, and places like internet message boards where the suspect in the El Paso shooting crimes posted his statement (Wakabayashi, 2020). Article 14 states, however, that hosting an information society service shall have legal liability if "(a) the provider does not have actual knowledge of illegal activity or information and, as regards claims for damages, is not aware of facts or circumstances from which the illegal activity or information is apparent; or (b) the provider acts promptly to remove or disable access to the information upon acquiring such knowledge or awareness." (A. A., 2023). If they obey the regulations, ISPs should not be held liable for third-party content on their platforms. However, they should be held accountable if they have actual knowledge of unlawful activity or content and fail to remove it promptly. References Gaille, L. (2019, December 16). 13 Internet Censorship Pros and Cons . https://vittana.org/13- internet-censorship-pros-and-cons Moderating online content: fighting harm or silencing dissent? (2021, July 23). OHCHR. Retrieved August 24, 2023, from https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2021/07/moderating- online-content-fighting-harm-or-silencing-dissent A. A. (2023, May 17). Internet Service Providers and Protection from Liability . www.lawteacher.net. Retrieved August 24, 2023, from https://www.lawteacher.net/free-law- essays/international-law/internet-service-providers-and-protection-from-liability-international- law-essay.php Wakabayashi, D. (2020, December 15). What is Section 230? Legal Shield for Websites is Targeted by Lawmakers . The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/28/business/section-230-internet-speech.html

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Module 8 DB

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