Do you agree that with the emergence of new media, there will be a greater need for censorship?
Keywords:
New Media: Digitised Media, social media, computerised media, networked information and communication technologies.
Will: indicates likelihood
Greater need: indicates increase
Possible stands:
YES, the emergence of New Media calls for a greater need for censorship
NO, greater censorship will destroy the effectiveness of New Media
YES BUT, need does not translate to effectiveness
Yes, there is a greater need for censorship:
- New Media allows for the easy access of information by anyone who has the necessary technology. That means information to undesirable information is also possible. In order to prevent the free flow of socially undesirable information, there is a greater need for censorship.
- Anyone can use new media for any purpose for example: terrorist networks/cults using the internet for propaganda and recruitment purposes. Therefore, there is a greater need to protect the public or keep them informed.
- The increasing use of new media has also empowered people to remain anonymous. This anonymity can be misused in form of trolling, insensitive or provocative comments. To maintain social harmony in society, there is a greater need for censorship.
- Digitisation of media means that there is a greater chance of piracy and duplication. Therefore to protect intellectual property rights and profits there is a need for censorship.
Balance:
- It may not be effective to censor New Media as it is hard to police the cyberspace or control how information is disseminated through New Media
- Governments need to constantly come up with more effective and innovative ways to censor it.
No, there is no need for censorship:
- New Media is a tool for social change as it allows people to share ideas and express themselves freely.
- Allows for self-censorship
- New media is a central actor when it comes to our collective ability to speak. As cyberspace is a platform for democracy, censorship is not required.
- The control of information and ideas would only stifle progress and perpetuate ignorance and hence, censorship may not be relevant or necessary in today’s modern context.
