ICTs and censorship - 17 Aug 2009

The Malawian government is about to crack the whip on information and communication technology through censorship. They're looking at reviewing outdated legislation and enforcing censorship laws on TV and Internet platforms. Much time, effort and money will be spent in the attempt to control the flow of digital information. Trying to control what users view on the Internet is like trying to keep water from flowing through a strainer...it's very difficult indeed. Is it worth the resources used though? I think it is. While the power of digital has brought on the information age and enriched our lives, it has opened the door to a new age of crime. While pornography has always been a source of entertainment for some, controlling child porn has become near impossible. Freedom of expression becomes a right abused when a website incites hate speech and racism. Censorship, in the information age is definitely necessary, as long as it is not abused by the institutions that instil its use.