Society focuses on who is responsible as well as how, with respect to implementing a method of censorship through a rating system similar to that which has been implemented in movies and television. By dismissing the free speech argument and clearly articulating a one sided view, it becomes apparent that the ideas, of CEOs and those in control of private companies with the ability to regulate, cannot be implemented through a dismissive attitude which is the root of the typical perspective towards internet censorship.
Free speech is defined as speech which is not hindered, influenced or discouraged by any outside source. Striking a balance between regulatory search software, which presents the user with filtered results, and the self-assessed web authors seems at best unrealistic. Private companies are forever biased by their own profit margin, and private citizens on a large scale cannot be given the ability to evaluate themselves because their motivations are subject to many different factors such as exposure and accessibility. No matter how smart the rating software is, the ability of some minority parties from having their voices heard will no doubt be restricted.
In theory, restricting access to questionable areas of the internet should work in parallel to the system of rating movies or video games. However, the movie and video game industries are already limited with respect to acceptable and appropriate vessels for free speech as is used by minority groups; The internet is more convenient, accessible and has the potential of reaching a wider audience, “with a projected 270 million users worldwide in 2003” (ClickZ Stats: Internet Usage).
The internet is all about free access to information. This truly unique form of mass media is an important tool that should be embraced and evolved from this original concept, as the needs of free society evolves, never straying too far from its roots. Open source development, free press and the open exchange of ideas are all benefits that would never have been possible without an uncensored global access network. Teaching our children our own individual values and educating them with the use of the internet through these values will only help them to grow into adults that are able to make informed decisions as we see fit on a parental level. Without this open exchange of ideas, the internet would be another controlled form of media not unlike television.
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