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The history of the Internet is interesting. What started off as a military initiative has grown into becoming a way of life in society, we use and rely upon the Internet in so many ways today. It's grown to the point where it's overlapped into traditional ways of life and as a result many ethical, moral and legal issues have arisen.

The Internet was originally expanded with the idea of freedom in mind, and I believe the Internet should not be censored because what is deemed offensive is often subjective. What's offensive to some people is perfectly acceptable to others. If we, as a global society, began to censor information that is shared across the Internet, who would make the determination on what's offensive and worthy of censorship?

Aside from divergences in the opinions of individuals, since the Internet is a global platform and differences in cultural diversity and social norms makes it hard to determine what is offensive or objectionable. The Internet has no physical boundaries, and while government(s) may try to regulate it by passing laws, it's usually not completely successful. Aside from the ethical and rights issues that occur where censorship is concerned, the logistics just don't support it.

A nude painting can be considered "art" by some and "offensive porn" by others. If we tread into the murky waters of censorship, how would society make the judgement? Colorful language is another issue, some words are offensive one culture, but may have a completely different meaning in another and would be considered perfectly acceptable everyday language. Some words are derogatory in one geographic area, but exist as part of the language in another country with a different connotation.

There are definitely a lot of materials that I personally find offensive that can be found in many corners of the web, but I'm of the opinion it's is not up to me to be judge and jury. If I don't want to view a website I deem to be offensive, fortunately technology provides me with the tools to use filters or website blocks to minimize mine or my family's exposure to them.

Protecting our children are an essential priority, but censoring the Internet is not going to accomplish that objective. It's up to us, as parents, to take on that responsibility. Personally, I don't want the government dictating to me what content can and cannot come into my home because it sets parameters; this leads to setting the conditions for further censorships. Once that can of worms is opened it is likely to have other consequences.

Do we really want government to step in and begin dictating what we can and cannot view? What happens if this leads into areas of stifling personal political opinions or objections? By allowing any level of censorship to occur on the Internet, it opens the door to other issues being censored. I can't help but wonder, how far would it go? Censorship is a slippery slope, and one we probably don't want to start sliding on.

Learn more about this author, Leigh Goessl.
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