Censorship is the changing or suppression or prohibition of speech or writing that is offensive. It is the suppression of words, images or ideas that are offensive. Social media censorship includes prohibiting Internet media such as blogs, social networking sites, and e-commerce sites to publicly post something which is not for the common good and causes trouble to anyone. Internet censorship is the control of information that can be viewed by the public on the Internet and can be carried out by governments, institutions, and even private organizations. Censored content can include copyrighted information, harmful or sensitive content, and more.
Censorship can be carried out by the government as well as private pressure groups. However in India Internet censorship in India is done by both central and state governments. Supreme court has struck down a controversial law that made posting offensive comments on social media a crime, punishable by jail. Also measures for removing content at the request of content creators through court orders have become more common in recent years.
Even though social media has its own disadvantages, it is very important and useful for everyone. Politicians use Twitter to communicate directly with the electorate and spend billions on Facebook’s targeted advertising. Meanwhile a new generation of political and social commentators as well as the new age of influencers have been given their voice by YouTube / Instagram and now attract audience numbers that mainstream media can only dream of.
However there is a lot of unhealthy content to on these apps which can be reduced if not banned completely, which is why censorship is a public concern and needs immediate action. If we look on the Internet long enough, there will be something that can offend anyone. The goal of censorship isn’t to eliminate access to anything that anyone might find to be problematic. We wouldn’t get to go online if that were the case. What we can do with this process is to limit access to information that could have an adverse impact on the overall culture of our homes, communities, or countries.
When there is so much information floating around on the Internet and in other public places that is readily accessible, then it is possible for people to become victims of a crime without realizing it. Children can become victims of identity theft as well. Their clean profiles make for a tempting target, especially if there is no verification of age or data during the application process. Censorship of this information can provide a layer of protection because it stops access to it while holding those who keep it responsible for their conduct.
Freedom of speech and expression is broadly understood as the notion that every person has the natural right to freely express themselves through any media and frontier without outside interference, such as censorship, and without fear of reprisal, such as threats and persecutions.
Freedom of expression is a complex right. This is because freedom of expression is not absolute and carries with it special duties and responsibilities therefore it may be subject to certain restrictions provided by law. The Internet and Social Media has become a vital communications tool through which individuals can exercise their right of freedom of expression and exchange information and ideas. The freedom of speech and expression does not confer on the citizens the right to speak or publish without responsibility. It is not an upbraided license giving immunity for every possible use of language and prevents punishment for those who abuse this freedom. Hence, there is an urgent need for regulation and censorship of social media apps.
It is clearly evident that social media is a very powerful means of exercising one’s freedom of speech and expression. However, it is also been increasingly used for illegal acts which has given force to the Governments attempts at censoring social media. the misuse of social media entails the need for legal censorship. Keeping all this in mind, it is suggested that the Government should form a Committee including technical experts to look into all the possible facets of the use and misuse of social media and recommend a suitable manner in which it can be regulated without hindering the civil rights of citizens.
Aishwarya Says:
I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.
If you are interested in participating in the same, do let me know.
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