Internet Censorship in France
Internet Censorship is a hot button topic that has taken center stage in the past couple of years where governments around the world have been trying to filter what is accessible to their citizens. I have chosen France as the main focal point because this is a country where their policies on Internet regulation have been considered for other countries, such as the United States. Focusing on other countries Internet policies is important because there is always a chance your government may be looking to restrict your own countries internet access as well. It's important to know so you can have a chance to fight for your right to have the internet free and open without the government dictating what is wrong or right without anyone monitoring them.
For a while France has been fairly free in their internet access only placing restrictions on hate groups and child pornography sites. However, in 2009 France introduced a new Internet laws that would allow users to be banned if caught downloading copyrighted materials from peer-to-peer sharing sites. These new laws would also allow internet and phone tapping during investigations and also allow the government to filter the internet without any justice proceedings. In the 2011 a task force (put solely together to enforce the new copyright laws) wanted to install "securization software" on modems issued by Internet Service Providers that would record private conversations via email or instant messaging. In 2011 a website was shut down to the public which showed police officers acting aggressively to citizens and caused public outrage.
While some of these restrictions may seem to be implemented out of good intentions, if you allow government such as France to censor the internet at their own discretion, without question you open the gate for them to abuse their power. While there are some content that may be unsuitable for others the government should not be allowed to dictate what is wrong or right. When it comes to censorship, there needs to be a collaborative effort between government and the people to decide how the internet should be monitored.
Here are some websites & articles where you can read about Internet Censorship in France:
"France weighs change in Piracy Laws"
"French copyright laws takes first defendant with Controversial Fine"
"Court Orders French Cop Watching Site Blocked"
YOUTUBE VIDEOS
For a while France has been fairly free in their internet access only placing restrictions on hate groups and child pornography sites. However, in 2009 France introduced a new Internet laws that would allow users to be banned if caught downloading copyrighted materials from peer-to-peer sharing sites. These new laws would also allow internet and phone tapping during investigations and also allow the government to filter the internet without any justice proceedings. In the 2011 a task force (put solely together to enforce the new copyright laws) wanted to install "securization software" on modems issued by Internet Service Providers that would record private conversations via email or instant messaging. In 2011 a website was shut down to the public which showed police officers acting aggressively to citizens and caused public outrage.
While some of these restrictions may seem to be implemented out of good intentions, if you allow government such as France to censor the internet at their own discretion, without question you open the gate for them to abuse their power. While there are some content that may be unsuitable for others the government should not be allowed to dictate what is wrong or right. When it comes to censorship, there needs to be a collaborative effort between government and the people to decide how the internet should be monitored.
Here are some websites & articles where you can read about Internet Censorship in France:
"France weighs change in Piracy Laws"
"French copyright laws takes first defendant with Controversial Fine"
"Court Orders French Cop Watching Site Blocked"
YOUTUBE VIDEOS