Internet is a tool that links countries, corporations, institutions and individuals to each other by providing a global medium of communication called cyberspace. Internet is simply a network that interconnects several groups of linked computer networks. Internet can also be defined as a huge network of various smaller networks. Internet is an open medium and is not administered by a single entity. It is not difficult for anyone in this contemporary world of ours to access internet with a modem and a computer. These instant communications can occur any time between individuals or between groups of individuals. Anyone can communicate anything, anytime, and anywhere in the world through the dynamic world of Internet. If we believe that individual ideas trigger the progress of our civilization, then the freedom of speech, discussions of different sorts and expression of new ideas is the key to that progress ("Free Speech and the Internet").
The freedom of speech over the internet is much supported by the people who have more interaction with the internet and who are more experienced in this domain. The reason behind this fact is that their personal experiences make them realize the fact that there are several benefits of open expression. The internet is the medium which provides unlimited and universal access to free speech and the basic concept of freedom of expression. No one can deny the fact that truth always possesses an inherent value and a free forum of ideas can best separate the truth from the assumptions. The internet carry the ability to empower the users to access the data freely share their thought through this medium. Some people do think that hate speech, pornography, lewd material, sex chat rooms, and similar items should be totally banned on the internet. Contrary to that, there is an another school of thought that represents the people who feel that only actual specific threats of violence and obscene material should be prohibited and in some cases (Lipschultz).
For all the above mentioned reasons, I believe that the subject of freedom of expression and speech on Internet is rather a complicated issue. However, being a supporter of the free speech at Internet, I think we are living in a world where ideas and emotions need to be expressed as their suppression may harm the individual and society. Therefore, it is important to make communication through Internet as open as possible. However, it is also equally important to put a check on the free speech and restrictions shall be made for prejudiced, offensive and disregarding content.
It is a matter of past when Internet was simply used as an unconventional channel of communication. Presently, cyberspace has turned out to be an imperative part of our lifestyle, revolutionizing private and public lives in significant ways. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that Internet has now become a mode of speech and listening in. It is the responsibility of the states to provide access to free speech in a positive manner to ensure democratic maturity and fulfillment of fundamental human rights (Jørgensen 80).
References
"Free Speech and the Internet." Questia, Your Online Research Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.
Jørgensen, R. F. "Internet and Freedom of Expression." IFLA. 2000. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.
Lipschultz, J. H. Free Expression in the Age of the Internet: Social and Legal Boundaries. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2000. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.
