Regulation and Free Speech in Cyber World

Running head: CYBERSPACE REGULATION 1
Regulation and Free Speech in Cyber World
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CYBERSPACE REGULATION 2
Introduction
Cyberspace freedom of speech is concerned with an act of an individual sharing any
information without constraints (Bajaj, 2014). Basically, internet is used widely hence enhancing
availability of varying information. The term ‘information age’ gained popularity since early
1900 as most countries incorporated information technologies into their operations. Currently,
organizations use advanced technologies such as cloud computing, virtual reality and Internet of
Things (IoT). The significant growth of technology has negative and positive effects (Kelly,
Suryadevara & Mukhopadhyay, 2013). Positive impacts include enhancing communication while
negative impacts include ethical and trust problems. The main aim of writing this paper is to
discuss concepts related to cyberspace freedom of speech and regulation.
Cyberspace Freedom of speech
Links: https://www.educause.edu/ir/library/html/cem/cem97/cem9732.html
https://thediplomat.com/2018/03/the-hard-limits-of-pakistans-media-freedom/
Cyberspace freedom of speech is concerned with an act of an individual sharing any
information without constraints. For instance, the first amendment in the U.S. supported freedom
of speech (Bajaj, 2014). In his ruling, Judge Steward Dalzell made it clear that the government
should not regulate the internet. For instance, the Congress was restricted from making any law
that abridges freedom of speech. The first amendment was not only limited to the U.S.
government, but also to public institutions. However, information availability has threaten
operations of most countries as sensitive information can be shared; thus, there is a need to
restrict media and the citizens of a particular country from sharing certain information. This is
referred to as censorship. Child pornography is one of the speeches that has been regulated in the

CYBERSPACE REGULATION 3
U.S. to protect children (Menuey, 2009). For example, the following are some of the children
protection acts; COPA and CIPA. Apart from child pornography, threats and hate speech are also
unconstitutional. If found guilty, a person can be imprisoned or fined. Regarding cyberspace, the
citizens are restricted from sharing threats such as kidnapping over the social media sites, for
example, Facebook and Twitter.
Other than censorship, filtering technology plays vital role in ensuring that a specific
content has been shared over the internet. The information related to child pornography can be
filtered out. Filtering technology is viewed as a possible alternative for restricting access to
information other than censorship (Barnes, 2006). Filtering laws plays some vital roles in
ensuring that children are protected from pornography content. Plans are underway to ensure that
vendors have incorporated filtering technologies. Filtering not only restricts children but also
adults from accessing pornography. However, access will be granted for adults after some
information has been provided. Other than the United States, there is also censorship in other
countries such as Pakistan. For example, internet filtering is carried out by different ministries
and agencies such as Ministry of Information Technology (Moit) and Federal Investigation
Agency (FIA). On the contrary to the United States, the information which is filtered out
includes anti-Islamic (Aceto et al., 2016). Also, the government has restricted the public from
accessing military websites. Moreover, regarding Myanmar, the media is monitored closely by
the government. For instance, the government has blocked foreign websites.
From my point of view, filtering technology is very important; thus, it should be adopted
by governments across the world. However, standardization should be considered for easy
implementation. Hence, the same content should be filtered out in all countries.
Regulating Commerce and Speech in Cyberspace