Is Web 2.0 becoming Control 2.0? Whether, we like it or not... Government uses internet as a tool of control. TG daily has states that countries like, China has "increased its efforts to monitor internet use, control, content, restrict information, block access to foreign and domestic websites, encourage self-censorship, and punish those who violated regulations."
I know we don' t live in China but how long until we reach that point in our country?
How do we keep this from happening?
Reporter without borders reported that "a growing number of countries are attempting to tighten their control of the Net, but at the same time, increasingly inventive netizens demonstrate mutual solidarity by mobilizing when necessary."
Do we open ourselves up and expose too much information online? Are we setting ourselves up for trouble? Or is the government just taking advantage?
Which countries are for Control 2.0? Saudi Arabia, Burma, China, North Korea, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Uzbekistan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam.
Bloggers are being arrested for reporting the story? How long until we reach this point?
I know we don' t live in China but how long until we reach that point in our country?
How do we keep this from happening?
Reporter without borders reported that "a growing number of countries are attempting to tighten their control of the Net, but at the same time, increasingly inventive netizens demonstrate mutual solidarity by mobilizing when necessary."
Do we open ourselves up and expose too much information online? Are we setting ourselves up for trouble? Or is the government just taking advantage?
Which countries are for Control 2.0? Saudi Arabia, Burma, China, North Korea, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Uzbekistan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam.
"Among the countries “under surveillance” are several democracies: Australia, because of the upcoming implementation of a highly developed Internet filtering system, and South Korea, where draconian laws are creating too many specific restrictions on Web users by challenging their anonymity and promoting self censorship." -Reporters without Borders
Since the creation of internet, close to 120 bloggers have been imprisoned. In one particular case, "In Azerbaidjan, the regime is holding Adnan Hadjizade and Emin Milli – two bloggers who had exposed the corruption of certain officials and had ridiculed them in a video circulated on YouTube. Four online journalists are also behind bars in Yemen. It is too soon to tell if these arrests may herald a new media takeover."- Reporters without Borders
Bloggers are being arrested for reporting the story? How long until we reach this point?
New Blog COMING SOON: Ways to KEEP your Privacy ;)
Woollacott, Emma. "Governments Use Internet as Tool of Control | TG Daily." TG Daily. Velum Media, 12 Mar. 2010. Web. 06 Nov. 2013.
Morillon, Lucy. "Web 2.0 versus Control 2.0 - Reporters Without Borders." Web 2.0 versus Control 2.0 - Reporters Without Borders. N.p., 18 Mar. 2010. Web. 06 Nov. 2013.
Although I certainly do not condone governments' strict restriction and monitoring on internet content, they have been limiting freedom of speech for centuries. The internet simply provides more information to a larger audience and hence more opportunity for people who do not share their governments' stance on issues to reach numerous people. This advantage unfortunately allows the government to identify the person/people more easily and react. Many governments do overstep their bounds with monitoring and responding to internet activities; however, as I do not see an immediate way to stop this (especially in countries with more oppressive governments), people should be mindful of what they broadcast on the internet simply as an act of self-protection. Important opinions and information may be shared by less easily traceable means.
ReplyDeleteThat does pose the a valid question. Does the government intrude or do we, the people, expose to much?
DeleteIt does not surprise me that some governments are monitoring their citizens' internet use (China, North Korea, Syria). However, it is a surprise to see this being done in a democracies (Australia, South Korea). As Americans, we are able to speak freely. However, we should still be careful what we put out there. A lot has changed since the internet was first brought to life and it will continue to change (good and bad). I think it is safe to say that in our lifetime the U.S. government will also be monitoring our internet use.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how far our government will go before we stop using the internet as a form of communication. No more Facebook, No more emails? Could it ever reach this point? or Would the government be the ones to retreat first?
DeleteI often think about this and I have mixed feelings. In one way, the more we use social media, the easier it is for the government to keep tabs on us. If they stop us from using the internet freely, they will have a harder time "spying" on us. Also, many business use social media for advertising which is ultimately helping our economy. On the other hand, if the government does try to monitor our internet use, people could possible band together and revolt. With so many different forms of communication, it will be much easier for large amounts of people to organize such a revolt. Just something to think about...
DeleteI agree. I couldn't image any of the social media sources ending, when it is in fact an asset to government spying. And at this point, the people have the power in their hands when utilizing internet.
DeleteI feel that the government should stop trying to control/monitor us. We don't need them to do this nor do we want them to do this.
ReplyDelete