Practice Essay #14: Regulation of Internet

Question: The government should have the right to regulate the content of web sites on the internet. Describe a specific situation in which the government should not have the right to regulate the content of web sites on the internet. Discuss what you think determines whether or not the government should have the right to regulate the content of web sites on the internet.

Answer:
The amount of information and data that is available through the internet and the World Wide Web is astronomical. Due to the accessibility of it nowadays, it is nearly impossible to keep track of all the content that is posted online since almost everybody have access to a computer and the internet. And given the fact that the internet allows for anybody to post up almost anything they like, it is almost certain that not all the content being uploaded is appropriate or legal. The statement, therefore, suggests that the government should have the right to regulate the content of web sites on the internet. This seems especially necessary when the content being posted seems to pose a threat to national security, is an invasion of privacy of someone, or promotes illegal activities such as child pornography.

The amount of regulation that the government should have on the content of web sites should be limited such that it serves to protect the population as a whole but does not unnecessarily interfere with the freedom of speech. When contents posted on web sites does not seem to pose any risk or endanger anybody and does not promote any illegal activities, regulations of such contents would not be appropriate. Take for example, the contents of a personal blog where somebody is simply posting up their opinions on a certain topic. If the posting did not contain any contents that are illegal or inappropriate as previous discussed then such contents should not be regulated.

The internet is a rich source for information and data. Not all of the contents posted on it, however, are legal or appropriate for public viewing. This is when government regulation of those contents is needed to ensure the safety of the public. Government regulation should be limited in its extent so that it does not unnecessarily interfere with freedom of speech. As seen in the example of a blogger, regulation of such contents would be unwarranted and probably a waste of time. What seems to determine whether or not the government should have the right to regulate the content of web sites would be the level of legality or appropriateness of such contents and the amount of danger it poses to the public.