Introduction to the Topic

The Issue of Internet Regulation

““. . . will greater regulation help or hurt the success of the Internet? Many leaders of the computer industry fiercely argue that most regulations will only serve as a barrier to the Internet’s growth and will destroy the unique nature of an important information medium. At the same time, however, some are worried that the virtual free-for-all nature of the Internet will cause both consumers and businesses to distrust the Web. They say that some kind of regulation is necessary to ensure the security, privacy and protection that all communities, even those online, need in order to thrive.

“The electronic world that has been formed by the Internet is commonly compared with the unregulated—and lawless—Wild West of the 19th century. Most analysts expect that, like the West, the electronic frontier will eventually be tamed by some laws as it further develops and attracts new users. It remains to be seen, however, what kind of laws they will be and whether such regulations change the nature of the Internet for the better or for the worse” (Jost 11-12).

What to do to assure freedom of speech, how to do it, or whether to do anything are the issues in this highly emotional debate. Some of those supporting censorship have gone as far as legislation, filtering programs and blocking. More moderate approaches encourage parent and school authority supervision. The very opposite point of view says there should be no intrusion into the Internet for any purpose and opposes any infringement on First Amendment rights. Then there are those who feel that none of the filtering software, firewalls , or even legislation is foolproof, and that these methods of censoring the information on the Internet are at best only superficial.

Controls on Internet Content and Access

Despite the power of the Internet—or perhaps because of that very power—governments have sought to restrict it. Government actions take many forms:

• Internet specific laws: Some governments have criminalized certain types of speech on the Internet.
• Application of existing laws: Governments can act to restrict speech without specifically enacting laws targeting Internet-based speech.
• Content-based license terms applied to Internet users and service providers: Licensing systems require Internet users to agree to block access to certain kinds of speech as a license condition.
• Compelled use of filtering, rating or content labeling tools: Blocking, filtering, and labeling techniques can prevent individuals from using the Internet to exchange information on controversial or unpopular content.

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Page maintained by: Marla DeSoto
Last edited: 11/14/2001