Censorship of the Internet is Unconstitutional
The freedom of speech that was possible on the
Internet could now be subjected to governmental approvals. For example,
China is attempting to restrict political expression, in the name of
security and social stability. It requires users of the Internet and
electronic mail (e-mail) to register, so that it may monitor their
activities.9 In the United Kingdom, state secrets and personal attacks are
off limits on the Internet. Laws are strict and the government is
extremely interested in regulating the Intern et with respect to these
issues.10 Laws intended for other types of communication will not
necessarily apply in this medium. Through all the components of the
Internet it becomes easy to transfer material that particular governments
might find objectionable. However, all of these means of communicating on
the Internet make up a large and vast system. For inspectors to monitor
every e-mail, every article in every Newsgroup, every Webpage, every IRC
channel, every Gopher site and every FTP site would be near impossible.
Internet!
The IMP Log: The Very First Message Sent on the In...
English: Demonstration against Internet censorship...Besides taking an ext raordinary amount of money and time, attempts to
censor the Internet violate freedom of speech rights that are included in
democratic constitutions and international laws.11 It would be a breach of
the First Amendment. The Constitution of the United Stat es of America
declares that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the
freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably
to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redr ess of grievances"
Therefore it would be unconstitutional for any sort of censorship to occur
on the Internet and affiliated services. Despite the illegality,
restrictions on Internet access and content are increasing worldwide under
all forms of government.