Daily Current Affairs : 9-October-2023
The rapid evolution of the internet has brought unprecedented opportunities for global connectivity and communication. However, this growth has also ushered in challenges, particularly in the realm of internet freedom. A recent report by Freedom House sheds light on the concerning trend of declining internet freedom across the world. This essay delves into the key highlights of the report, the mechanisms of censorship, its advantages and limitations, and outlines a way forward in ensuring a balance between freedom of expression and regulation in the digital age.
Key Highlights of the Report on Internet Freedom
The report, spanning developments between June 2022 and May 2023, evaluated 70 countries, collectively representing 88% of the global internet user population. It revealed disturbing trends, including increased censorship methods and legal repercussions for online expression. AI-driven tools were noted for disseminating disinformation and enhancing content censorship efficiency in several countries, further complicating the landscape of internet freedom.
Censorship: Control and Regulation of Information and Expression
Censorship, defined as the practice of suppressing or managing objectionable information, is prevalent worldwide. In India, censorship laws encompass a wide array of public domain content, including films, literature, and online platforms. Mechanisms such as the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Central Bureau of Film Certification, the Press Council of India, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, are employed to regulate various forms of media.
Advantages and Limitations of Censorship
Censorship Advantages:
- Preventing Disharmony and Communal Discord: By curbing objectionable content, censorship promotes social harmony.
- Protecting Social Stability and National Safety: Censorship safeguards social stability and national security by deterring illegal activities and internet-related crimes.
- Curbing Illegal Activities and Threats to Economy: It deters organizations from releasing harmful information that could disrupt national economy and political stability.
- Protecting Children and Vulnerable Groups: Internet censorship filters out inappropriate content, protecting children from disturbing websites.
Censorship Limitations:
- Moral Policing and Intrusion into Private Lives: Censorship can lead to moral policing and intrusion into individuals’ private lives, restricting personal freedoms.
- Risk of Discretionary Political Control: Broad powers can lead to political control over censorship decisions, threatening democratic values.
- Conflict with Constitutional Freedom of Speech: Intense censorship can conflict with the constitutional guarantee of free speech and expression.
Way Forward
To strike a balance between freedom of expression and regulation, the following steps are essential:
- Legal and Regulatory Safeguards: Implement strong legal and regulatory safeguards to protect freedom of speech, especially in digital communication and information access.
- AI Regulation: Regulate artificial intelligence to ensure it supports internet freedom rather than suppressing it. Striking a balance between security and individual rights is crucial.
Important Points:
- Key Highlights of the Report on Internet Freedom:
- Report spans June 2022 to May 2023, evaluating 70 countries.
- Disturbing trends include increased censorship methods and legal repercussions for online expression.
- AI-driven tools contribute to disseminating disinformation and enhancing content censorship efficiency.
- Censorship: Control and Regulation of Information and Expression:
- Censorship practiced globally, involving suppression or management of objectionable information.
- India’s censorship laws cover a wide array of content in the public domain, including films, literature, and online platforms.
- Various mechanisms such as the Code of Criminal Procedure, Central Bureau of Film Certification, Press Council of India, and IT Rules, 2021, are used for regulation.
- Advantages of Censorship:
- Prevents communal discord and promotes social harmony.
- Safeguards social stability and national security by deterring illegal activities.
- Curbs illegal activities and threats to the economy.
- Protects children and vulnerable groups from inappropriate content.
- Limitations of Censorship:
- Can lead to moral policing and intrusion into private lives.
- Risks discretionary political control, potentially undermining democratic values.
- Conflicts with constitutional freedom of speech and expression.
- Way Forward:
- Implement strong legal and regulatory safeguards to protect freedom of speech, especially in digital communication and information access.
- Regulate artificial intelligence to ensure it supports internet freedom, striking a balance between security and individual rights.
Why In News
In the 2023 report by Freedom House, a Washington DC-based non-profit organization, it was revealed that global Internet freedom has continued its alarming decline for the 13th consecutive year. The study highlighted a worrying trend, with 29 countries witnessing a deterioration in the online environment for human rights.
MCQs about Digital Dilemma:Internet Freedom Amidst Growing Censorship
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What is the primary focus of “Internet Freedom: Navigating Censorship in the Digital Age”?
A. Exploring Internet Technologies
B. Discussing Censorship Laws in India
C. Balancing Internet Freedom and Regulation
D. Analyzing Social Media Platforms
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What does the term “censorship” ?
A. Enhancing Internet Connectivity
B. Suppression or Management of Objectionable Information
C. Promotion of Social Media
D. Legal Consequences for Online Expression
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What is the significance of regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of internet freedom?
A. It enhances online content creation.
B. It ensures a balance between security and individual rights.
C. It automates social media management.
D. It restricts internet access for specific groups.
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What is the major concern of censorship in India??
A. Limited Internet Access
B. Impact on Freedom of Expression and Political Criticism
C. Government Surveillance on Social Media
D. Internet Security Threats
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