Cable Forum - View Single Post - Should Governments Decide On What We View?

Bender · 25-02-2008, 18:31

In light of the whole Youtube.com / Pakistan issue, I'm wondering what people think about the question at hand... Should governments have the right to decide what people are allowed to access when it comes to the internet?

Some say that it is a basic right to freedom of speech. Others may argue that it's a way of spreading hatred.

Do you think the Pakistan Government did the right thing, or do you think they should let their people decide on what they view online? How would you feel if our government started banning sites that broke no laws as such, but did not agree with our belief system or heritage?

Does the very act of blocking sites show that the government in question is afraid of the influence of freedom of speech? Does it show that they are afraid they will lose their hold on the people should they be subjected to unbiased, unregulated information? Russia, China, Burma and now Pakistan would appear to be cutting themselves off more and more, Russia even opting for state controlled sites only (iirc). Perhaps this shows they have a good control over their society and are helping it to grow to a standard that is acceptable by them with good social integrity...?

What do you think?

25-02-2008, 18:31	#1
Bender Bite my shiny, metal ass! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: 127.0.0.1 Age: 29 Services: SkyHD downstairs / sky+ in the bedroom / vm c20Mbps / vm phone Posts: 904	Should Governments Decide On What We View? In light of the whole Youtube.com / Pakistan issue, I'm wondering what people think about the question at hand... Should governments have the right to decide what people are allowed to access when it comes to the internet? Some say that it is a basic right to freedom of speech. Others may argue that it's a way of spreading hatred. Do you think the Pakistan Government did the right thing, or do you think they should let their people decide on what they view online? How would you feel if our government started banning sites that broke no laws as such, but did not agree with our belief system or heritage? Does the very act of blocking sites show that the government in question is afraid of the influence of freedom of speech? Does it show that they are afraid they will lose their hold on the people should they be subjected to unbiased, unregulated information? Russia, China, Burma and now Pakistan would appear to be cutting themselves off more and more, Russia even opting for state controlled sites only (iirc). Perhaps this shows they have a good control over their society and are helping it to grow to a standard that is acceptable by them with good social integrity...? What do you think? __________________ A selection of my images... www.JamesMillerDigital.com Say what you mean and mean what you say, because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter. Last edited by Bender; 25-02-2008 at 18:39.