1) Give a brief summary of your article, the type of censorship that it's addressing, and the different positions presented.
The article is basically about Twitter starting to censor tweets on a case to case basis. By bringing censorship in, more countries should feel comfortable allowing its citizens to use Twitter on a daily basis. Instead of erasing a tweet completely, the tweet will be censored with a notice, depending on the country. This type of censorship is internet based. On one hand Twitter has done this, aiming to expand into more countries, and thus more hits/money. On the other hand, some claim that this weakens Twitter’s commitment to free speech.
2) What is your opinion on the censorship issue raised in the article? Explain your position.
Both of us believe that what Twitter has decided is fair as it caters to everyone’s’ need. However, if the censorship is pushed any further, then it becomes more restrictive and thus going against the original purpose of Twitter.
3) As we saw in the debate, policies on censorship range widely in different countries. Several fundamental questions about censorship came up such as:
a. Is free speech a human right? Yes.
b. Who has the right to determine what information is available to the public and how are those determinations made?
A collaboration between the government and the public should determine what is available. Like with ethics, it is the agreement in the majority that determines what should or shouldn’t be published.
c. What is the role of the media and to what extent is it obligated to provide information to the public?
The role of the media is to be a informative service agency. The truth is hard. It is ideally designed to present any information to the population without manipulating the information in any shape or form. However, the reality is that due to corporate sponsors or political hosts, the media is manipulated and it’s purpose is contaminated.
d. What fundamental issues do you see raised by your article about free speech and censorship?
i. The right to talk about whatever and where ever.
ii. The existence of laws in different countries which disallow certain views in the way they’re expressed
iii. The willingness to compromise free speech for more business
4) Why do you think censorship is such a controversial issue?
Because the line between free speech and expression, and totalitarian restriction of the same is extremely faded and ambiguous. Perspective on free speech differs from person to person, and country to country. Thus, conflicts arises.
No comments:
Post a Comment