Internet Censorship

Is it because the world has become so polarized, or is it that Companies are scared of the Religious Right? Has being Politically Correct been taken too far?

You have to wonder, when you hear about Internet Companies censoring the legal commentary by some of it’s subscribers. The issue is growing too, as Companies like Yahoo sign huge deals with Governments like Communist China. And it is about Free Speech, though many argue it is about simply following rules and guidelines.

(AP) Rant all you want in a public park. A police officer generally won’t eject you for your remarks alone, however unpopular or provocative.

Say it on the Internet, and you’ll find that free speech and other constitutional rights are anything but guaranteed. (source – CBS News)

If you go to some of the blogger sites, it is amazing at how many are ‘removed due to objectionable content’ or some other disclaimer. Frankly, I suppose it is their right, to host only what they believe. Yet on the other hand, when does it cross the line?

I mean seriously, if you are a business, you have an obligation to your shareholders, to your own values and morals, but when does perception cross over to become Censorship? When does Big Brother become the guiding factor behind a rule or guideline?

Now the article is discussing how Yahoo censored a photo, not once but twice, and there lies the rub. The total INCONSISTENT manner in which companies apply their rules, their guidelines. And yes, they don’t always make those rules clear, thanks to all the legalese they use. Not to mention the length of those document either.

It is funny, how we all claim Free Speech when we are dumped for doing something stupid. Like posting a porn blog on a site that clearly states NO ADULT, but is it about Free Speech or simply the right of ownership? I mean if a site is willing to host adult content, why should their decision be assaulted by those who aren’t into adult subjects? And that gets me too, because so many mouth off about being Anti Porn, but how come so many watch Porn in Secret?

Sex isn’t dirty, but society makes it so, as does most Religion. Sex is a natural physical act, and as long as both parties are of legal age, consent to the act, what friggin business is it for anyone else? If I don’t like a television show, I SWITCH THE CHANNEL. Yet here we are, in the year 2008, and companies are allowing their employees to administer their policies, their guideline, based on their own perceptions, their own values.

It bugs me, that many of us forget that Democracy really isn’t about the will of the majority, but is about the rights of all people, to be able to express their views, their own values. As objectionable as that may be, a minority should not be subjected to conform to the will of the majority. Though in all honesty, is it the majority that is making up all these bullshit rules? Or is it just a select few?

Bottom line, a company should be able to set its own rules, its own guidelines without being attacked. However, they have an obligation to CLEARLY DESCRIBE THOSE TERMS, CONDITIONS.