Ree speech on the Internet - Essay Example

Free Speech on the Internet Introduction The world of today is living in the information age characterized by an overstretched need for free speech. The internet is one of the most widely used medium of communication and has been used for both constructive and destructive speech (Nunziato, 2009). Even though the benefit of free speech is clearly seen in the democracy enjoyed in many parts of the world, it is important to regulate free speech on the internet for order and harmony. The following essay argues against unrestricted free speech on the internet.

Firstly, the internet’s coverage is very high and thus, sensitive information capable of causing harm can hardly be controlled after release on the internet. This is why terror groups use the internet to upload images of inhuman executions and issue terror threats with intent of causing panic and disruption of normal day to day operations. When such information is posted on the internet, it is quickly distributed to countless individuals through social media and other platforms such as email.

This makes it impossible to extract such information from the public domain. With restrictions, such information cannot be uploaded to the internet since the source will be afraid that the information will be easily traced to him if control mechanisms are installed. This enhances the security situation of a country and the world at large. Secondly, the internet has been changed into an immoral world where materials such as hate speech, pornography and other lewd materials can be carelessly made available to the general public including underage children.

Hate speech is capable of causing public unrest to the extent of causing riots and civil unrest. Unrestricted postage of pornography leads to moral decay since children who frequent the internet are bound to land onto this content. With restricted free speech on the internet, individuals issuing hate speech can be easily be traced for prosecution. Pornographic material made available to the general public including under age children can be controlled and minimized for the benefit of the society.

Last but not least, the internet’s purpose is diluted when unrestricted free speech is allowed. Unrestricted speech means that information can be made available to a target audience without confirmation of how legit it is. The internet is an important tool for passing out information. With unrestricted free speech, the internet’s credibility and purpose of sharing information is jeopardized. Establishment of some level of restriction ensures that information made available on the internet can be screened in order to establish its reliability and accuracy.

ConclusionThe issue of free speech on the internet is a matter of contention. This is mainly because of reservations held by certain groups about the credibility of the regulating bodies (Nunziato, 2009). With establishment of credible regulating bodies, free speech on the internet can be regulated for the benefit of the whole society. Information likely to cause public unrest such as hate speech can be easily controlled for the greater good of the society. Pornography, sex chats and other lewd materials made available to underage persons can be dealt with by use of some regulation and restriction on free speech.

The purpose of the internet which is to increase access to credible information is diluted with unrestricted free speech on the internet since credible information can hardly be substantiated from uploaded inaccurate information. It is therefore important to restrict free speech. ReferencesNunziato, D. (2009). Virtual Freedom: Net Neutrality and Free Speech in the Internet Age. Stanford, CA: Stanford Law Books.