Summary and Response: Are Governments Closing the Net Around Web Freedom?

Are Governments Closing the Net Around Web Freedom? 

Alex Hudson suggests that the "right to a voice online, it seems, is of paramount importance- Not just in Egypt but around the world." Unfortunately it is this exact freedom that people have online that is being jeopardized by Government and Large-scale Corporations. One of the most significant attributes of the internet has always been the ability of people to express themselves on a world wide spectrum. If this exact freedom is being monitored and censored by Government's and corporations alike, we may be losing the sense of democracy we receive from the internet."Hudson reveals that "the top ten websites were responsible for 31% of US page views in 2001, rising to around 75% in most recent estimates." The U.S have recently introduced an internet kill-switch that would give the president power to shut down parts of the internet if there was an attack on important infrastructure. Although this kill-switch would only be implemented in times of certain crisis, the very concept raises much controversy because it would jeopardize the democratic values that the internet holds.Hudson states that "the idea of government or big corporations somehow limiting the scope of people to interact with each other freely is worrying the creator of the world wide web itself, Tim Berners-Lee.

Response:


I agree that as the internet expands, it's democratic values must not be comprised by Governments and Corporations. Ever since the 1960's, internet has been used as an efficient tool to express your views to anyone willing to see them. Many people use the internet for this reason alone and if particular aspects of the on line world are being censored and contained due to the beliefs of Government, then the democratic outlook that empowers the internet, could be endangered by demanding authorities. However, because so many large corporations are being advertised over the internet, websites are allowing these corporations to gain more control over the internet and it's users each and every day.The reason websites are encouraged to promote various companies is because they are able to make money from advertising these corporations. I say this with a brave mind, that if we abolish all forms of currency and reform Government on a global scale, one day we may see democracy in it's truest form. 


In Jasmine's response on the topic,  she states that censorship is sometimes necessary to protect the rights of people and society.


In Rebecca's response on the topic, she states that the internet has become a large part of human society and if we want to defend our right to voice our opinions we must stand up to the Government.