Computer & Information Ethics: Free Speech & Censorship

Discusses the decision by Google, a company whose mission is to uphold the highest standards of ethical business conduct, to launch a version of its search engine that is run from within China and subject to self-censorship.

On June 9, 2009 the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of the People’s Republic of China publicly released a directive stating that beginning July 1, 2009 all computers sold in China would be required to include Green Dam Youth Escort software, an internet filtering program that restricts access to objectionable material through a combination of keyword search restrictions and blocks of images containing large amounts of skin-toned colors. There was a concern that the software would also be use to censor individuals' use of the Internet in broader ways.

Put together by the American Civil Liberties Union, this site includes this organizations thoughts on the latest developments in this contentious area.

This organization's aim is to investigate, expose and analyze Internet filtering and surveillance practices in a credible and non-partisan fashion. Includes a number of country profiles in their research section.

"The Center for Democracy and Technology is a non-profit public interest organization working to keep the Internet open, innovative, and free. As a civil liberties group with expertise in law, technology, and policy, CDT works to enhance free expression and privacy in communications technologies by finding practical and innovative solutions to public policy challenges while protecting civil liberties."

Rules from the Federal Trade Commission concerning the Open Internet,

A site discussing safety measures that can be used for children using the Internet.

CIPA requires K-12 schools and libraries receiving federal Universal Service Fund (E-rate) discounts or LSTA grants for Internet access or internal connections to adopt a number of policies as well as installing blocking software on computers.

The American Library Association's stance on balancing issues of internet safety with free access to information for the public.

The EFF is a political action group that puts out interesting information on the issues of free speech, privacy, fair use, and transparency on the Internet. Good site for keeping up with the latest political, legal and ethical issues in this area.