It is obvious that the internet has opened up a world of opportunities and improvements for communication and commerce. The open access structure of the internet enables interactions throughout the world. And as with any technology, the internet can be used for good or ill. It is a new avenue for security and privacy crimes. Additionally, some countries — like China and Egypt — have censored content and access in attempts to stem dissent and isolate citizens.
In righteous retaliation against internet censorship, Google is considering leaving China unless they are provided full and uncensored access. Jerry Brito, in a previous post, described how Google founders have maintained control over the company despite being publicly traded and how that contributes to their focus on ideology as well as profit.
In the wake of Google’s announcement, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took the opportunity to speak on the potential of the internet. She commented on the ability to easily pay bills online, converse on social networking sites, and participate in political and religious activities through the internet. Then, she worried about internet security, government censorship, and the potential violation and oppression of freedom (specifically, speech and religious freedom). Finally,
She outlined what she called the United States’ “five key freedoms of the Internet age, which included freedom of speech and worship online, the freedom to connect to the Internet anywhere, freedom from the fear of cyber attacks and “freedom of want” — saying the Internet can be used to relieve suffering worldwide.
While the desire to keep the internet an open and free medium of communication, action, and commerce is noteworthy, Clinton’s “five key freedoms” hint toward areas for intervention. Specifically, the freedoms of universal internet access and a crime-free cyberspace. Universal wi-fi, discussed in a previous post by Gabriel Okolski, is not an essential right or guarantee but a product.
The desire to regulate and subsidize the internet threatens to increase censorship, reduce access, and limit the potential for future technological and social developments. Policymakers should recognize that the beauty of the internet is its freedom and not create unneccessary freedoms to regulate and unintentially encourage oppression and censorship.
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