The specific problems of Internet censorship and information poverty in the developed world

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The specific problems of Internet censorship and information poverty in the developed world

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Abstract

The mass proliferation of computer and Internet technologies has not only revolutionized the way in which people communicate, it has also raised a number of pertinent social and economic questions that have marked ramifications for every individual. Because of the global reach of the Internet, regulating the use of this medium proves to be a difficult challenge. While the issue of censorship with regard to the Internet has been widely debated among politicians, censorship of the Internet would clearly serve to impede society's access to information. As such, even some of the most salient proposals to improve and monitor the Internet carry with them notable complications for infringement on citizen rights.
Arguably, there are a host of information issues that arise when it comes to utilization of the Internet. In an effort to provide a broad overview of some of the most pressing issues in this area, this investigation considers the specific problems of Internet censorship and information poverty in the developed world. Through a careful consideration of what has been written on these two topics, it will be possible to provide a more integral understanding of the challenges posed by advancing Internet technologies.

Introduction
Internet Censorship
The History of Internet Censorship
Summary of the Issues
Information Poverty
Definition and Extent of Information Poverty
Impact of Information Poverty
Summary of the Issues
Conclusion

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[...] In addition to the fact that policymakers and society as a whole have identified critical areas that should not be allowed to exist on the Internet, many crusaders to censor the Internet have taken up the cause in the name of protecting children. According to Lawson and Comber (2000) the proliferation of the Internet into the schools has prompted many community and political activists to argue for Internet censorship. While some advocates contend that the US government should police the Internet and limit content, others contend that filters—computer programs that limit access to specific websites on the Internet—should be installed to protect children from viewing inappropriate or malicious content. [...]

[...] Conclusion Censorship of the Internet and information poverty are clearly two defining issues that will continue to have a negative impact on the development of both society and the proliferation of information technology. While it is evident that Internet censorship can lead to information poverty—as censorship limits individual access to information that others have deemed inappropriate—it is also evident that information poverty can be caused by a host of existing social conditions that extend far beyond the reach of Internet censorship. [...]

[...] Gorski (2003) in his examination of the issue of information poverty argues that the access to information in developed countries only serves to exacerbate underlying social and economic inequities that exist between groups. To illustrate this point, Gorski notes that case of men and women. According to this author: were much more likely to recognize computers and the Internet as toll for economic and professional gain at much higher rates than women, who were more likely to conceptualize these technologies as gateways for pursing hobbies and friendly correspondence” (p. [...]

[...] Summary of the Issues When the problems of Internet censorship are examined overall, it becomes evident that the principle issue involved in this debate is one that has not been suitably addressed by society in the past. Specifically, governments and society have effectively failed to address the issue of how information can be censored while still allowing the basic individual right to access information (Peace, 2003). While it is evident that the Internet also poses a myriad of censorship challenges because of the nature of the medium—i.e. [...]

[...] In an effort to demonstrate the extent of information poverty that exists in the global community, Britz and Blignaut (2001) provide the following information: “According to a World Bank Report 20% of the world's population possess 86% of the world's financial wealth of telephone lines and 90% of access to the Internet” (p. 63). These authors go on to argue that, “This gap between the rich and the poor is continually increasing, owing mainly to advanced capitalism (globalization of the world economy) and the use of information technology (p. [...]

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