Web Desk: World Day Against Cyber Censorship is being observed on Wednesday, today.
The day was first observed on 12 March 2008 at the request of Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International,a non-governmental organisation, to raise awareness about internet censorship – an act of restricting or blocking access to certain online content.
The theme of the day this year is “A Free and Open Internet for All”.
The World Day Against Cyber-Censorship is observed to highlight the need for online freedom.
The goal of the day is to support an open internet where everyone can express themselves freely.
It also sheds light on how governments around the world control or limit online speech.
The day is also known as the International Day for Online Freedom of Expression.
According to reports, there are a few countries that try to control what people say on the internet using different methods.
They may have strict defamation laws, block certain social media platforms or create specialised firewalls to stop people from accessing certain websites.
This day highlights these issues and promotes online freedom.
Significance
The World Day Against Cyber-Censorship is observed to highlight the need for free expression on the internet and to stand against online restrictions.
Many governments try to control what people can say online which limits their freedom to share opinions.
While some argue that misinformation and harmful content spread on social media, blocking access to the internet is not the solution.
The internet is a powerful tool that allows people to raise their voices against corruption, injustice and other important issues.
Many authoritarian governments have attempted to suppress free speech through cyber censorship.
This day raises awareness about the need to protect internet freedom to ensure that everyone has the right to share their thoughts without fear of censorship.
Pros Of Internet Censorship:
Protects Children From insensitive Content:
The censorship helps block harmful content like violent, sexual or adult material which ensures kids see only age-appropriate content while browsing online.
Protection Against Identity Theft:
Another advantage of internet censorship is that it blocks malicious websites or phishing scams that are designed in a way to steal private information to commit identity theft.
Restricts Illegal Content:
Censorship makes it harder to access or share illegal material like child pornography, drug markets and graphic videos of violence or murder which are often found on the dark web.
Protects National Security:
It limits the spread of harmful content like cyber threats, espionage and misinformation that could harm a country’s security.
Stops Spread Of Fake News:
The censorship filters false information to prevent the spread of rumours and misleading content that can create confusion and panic.
Cons Of Internet Censorship
Limits Access To Information:
Blocking certain news, research and websites makes it difficult for people to find important and reliable information.
Restricts Free Speech:
When governments or organisations impose censorship, they repress free speech which limits individuals to express their opinions on the internet.
Unclear Censorship Rules:
The guidelines for what should be censored online are often vague or inconsistently applied which can lead to unfair content removal, restricting political, social or artistic expression.
High Monitoring Costs:
Maintaining censorship requires a lot of resources which can lead to high monitoring costs.
