Internet Censorship Variations between Western Countries
Internet Censorship Variations between Western Countries
Abstract
Governments and organizations commonly implement Internet censorship, which in turn provides an established online reality for Internet users. This paper discusses whether there are differences in Internet censorship between western countries and if so, why do these differences exist. Background information on Internet censorship and the reasons for differences in censorship between western countries are initially examined. The reasons for the differences were found to be cultural variation and the different strategies to implement censorship. Research was accordingly done to identify these differences with the examples of Britain and the USA. Furthermore, the change of reality perception caused by different Internet censorship strategies is discussed. To conclude, future implications and the importance for research to find social norms for Internet censorship are outlined. There are many people all around the world that are victims of Internet censorship, which underlines the significance of this paper.
Keywords
Internet Censorship, USA, Britain, Differences between Western Countries, Internet users
Introduction
Currently, media is most commonly on the Internet. Online media, the main means of mass communication through technical means, can be dangerous due to the fact that it has become an increasingly important source of information, entertainment and social activities (Pariser, 2011). There is no limit to what information can be put on the Internet or what can occur online. Therefore, countries around the world use Internet censorship in order to filter information that is bombarded at us everyday and presents a modified version of reality (Media Censorship, 2002). In western countries such as Britain and The United States of America (USA) there are 85 Internet users per 100 people and this means they are largely
Abstract
Governments and organizations commonly implement Internet censorship, which in turn provides an established online reality for Internet users. This paper discusses whether there are differences in Internet censorship between western countries and if so, why do these differences exist. Background information on Internet censorship and the reasons for differences in censorship between western countries are initially examined. The reasons for the differences were found to be cultural variation and the different strategies to implement censorship. Research was accordingly done to identify these differences with the examples of Britain and the USA. Furthermore, the change of reality perception caused by different Internet censorship strategies is discussed. To conclude, future implications and the importance for research to find social norms for Internet censorship are outlined. There are many people all around the world that are victims of Internet censorship, which underlines the significance of this paper.
Keywords
Internet Censorship, USA, Britain, Differences between Western Countries, Internet users
Introduction
Currently, media is most commonly on the Internet. Online media, the main means of mass communication through technical means, can be dangerous due to the fact that it has become an increasingly important source of information, entertainment and social activities (Pariser, 2011). There is no limit to what information can be put on the Internet or what can occur online. Therefore, countries around the world use Internet censorship in order to filter information that is bombarded at us everyday and presents a modified version of reality (Media Censorship, 2002). In western countries such as Britain and The United States of America (USA) there are 85 Internet users per 100 people and this means they are largely
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