Essay on Internet Free Speech Issues and Implications

Internet Free Speech Issues and Implications Abstract: The issue of free speech has been around since the founding fathers first ratified the constitution of the United States. With the emergence of new technology, especially the Internet, freedom of speech has been redefined and its limits tested. What are the limitations of free speech on the Internet, and how can they be enforced? These are the constitutional questions for the digital age. Imagine being in your home, a bastion of privacy and comfort, and having someone scream racial slurs at you as you sit placidly in a comfortable chair. Unlikely, you say? Just visit the website of the Aryan Nation or the Klu Klux Klan. In this day and age when anyone can be a†¦show more content†¦Though the First Amendment protects the freedom of expression [1], not all speech is protected by law. What if material on the Internet advocates illegal conduct or issues threats of violence? What if information such as bomb-making instructions helps someone carry out a threat of violence? As stated in the preceding scenario-report, the controversial website Anarchist Fever inspired amateur anarchist Paul Berkowicz, to build a bomb (with instructions found on the internet) and blow up a federal courthouse. Obviously, he will be punished for his actions, but the issue now is what will become of the websites that helped him etch his name in infamy? What can be done about digit al conspirators who hide behind free expression? Often, there can be no direct link established between such websites and physical crimes they inspire. When deciding about these gray areas of free speech on the internet, we must consider issues such as regulation of the Internet, the extent of free speech, and established legal precedent. These are the real factors that determine whether or not content of the Internet is objectionable enough to be censored or even criminally punished. Regulation of the Internet is a volatile topic. One reason comes from the very nature of the Internet. While not entirely different fromShow MoreRelatedChallenges with Freedom of Speech1008 Words   |  4 PagesFreedom of Speech and Information: Challenges with Freedom of Speech: The right to freedom of speech was adopted following the long history of suppression of ideas that were considered harmful by people. These suppressions also threatened democracy since they presented numerous difficulties for people to debate essential issues like war and peace. Consequently, a free speech movement emerged that eventually led to the protection of the right for people to express all ideas or the freedom of speechRead MoreTerrorism And The Social Media1719 Words   |  7 Pageslocalities throughout the world. The link between social media and terrorist networks and their recruiting campaigns are very much an issue affecting peace and stability today. 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(1) SOPA proposes to accomplish those goals by allowing the U.S. Department of Justice and copyright owners to take action against websites thought to be