by Elizabeth Kells

Created on: December 29, 2009

The Internet is a plethora of not only information, but also entertainment of all kinds. Pornography is a form of entertainment for many and people should have the right to enjoy it in the privacy of their own home. However, pornography on the Internet introduces many problems.

Illegal Pornography

Pornography that caters to those with different and obscene tastes is does not mean illegal. However, those that cater to those who enjoy snuff films, films with unwilling performers and children are illegal and should be abolished. The problem is that on line these people are harder to track, closing the sight is not enough the people must be stopped. 

Online Pornography

 I do not believe online pornography that does not harm or use unwilling performers should be deemed illegal due to the chance the wrong person should see it. I am appalled at some of the tactics that are used to draw people to the sites and I do believe that should be regulated. There have been cases where children are drawn in by just changing a letter or two from addresses of legitimate children's web sites. “Lee Chisholm, of Netsafe, said that extreme violence or sexually explicit material was often a couple of mouse clicks or a misspelt word away.” (Hudson, 2008) Pop ups and closely related names are the easiest way to get sites seen when they should not be, but I feel with all the things that can be done on computers this could be remedied. 

Remedy

 We as Americans enjoy the rights that that many have fought and died for, even if we do not agree with what can be done with those rights. Personally, I would be quite happy with the disappearance of pornography from the web. However, I believe pornography is a freedom of not only expression but also privacy. I do not believe the transmission of non-harmful consensual pornography online should be deemed illegal. However, I feel quite strongly about how it is seen. I believe there are two regulations that should be put into effect and enforced by the government. First, pornography sites should not be able to be listed on any search engine; there should be a search engine just for porn. Pornography is sought out by many, I am sure they would not mind going through a specific search engine for their entertainment. Secondly, adult based sites should not be allowed to use names that have any chance of being mistaken for a children's site. Obviously in this day and age children would still be able to gain access, but it would be only happen if it were the child's intention. The parents need to step up, and not only tell their children what they should and should not be looking at, but also to enforce it. The parents need to closely supervise their children's Internet use and install filter software. Many Americans today complain on a regular basis that the government interferes in our lives too much and then want the government to step in on their terms. I believe we need to take responsibility when we can and I believe the supervision of our children is our responsibility not that of our government.

  Resource:

Hudson, A. (2008, May 25). Fruity link too juicy for kids. Retrieved May 26, 2008, from New Zealand Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=206&objectid=10512298

 

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Kells.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.