Undeniably, the Internet is one of the most powerful agents of freedom. It is no wonder that certain authorities and organizations fear the internet and its ability to make the truth known. Hence, the phrase "freedom of speech" is often used to characterize a key element of democratic societies: open communication and especially, open government.

Free Flow of Information & Censorship

However, despite its great promise, the Internet is not, in and of itself, a guarantor of the free flow of information. Malaysians do realise the fact that, the freedom offered by the Internet can be taken away if not been exercised with care.

We too understand the fact that, there are certain cases where the Government do want to limit the information where netizens can reach, in which the motivations are understandable and even laudable. We see no redeeming value in child pornography for example and we do support efforts to eliminate it from the Internet.

Nevertheless, those of us living in free societies have been warned repeatedly that, censorship is a slippery slope and must be treated with the greatest care. I see many responsibilities on effective use of the Internet and at the same time, citizens must also do their best to reason out against the Government censorship to control the "freedom of speech".

We’re responsible for trying to distinguish useful and truthful information from bad quality information and must therefore exercise critical thinking about what we see and hear. Do bear in mind that, the kind responsibility extends to all media, not only the Internet.

Moreover, where misinformation exists, thoughtful citizens have a responsibility to draw attention to the problem, possibly even to provide information to counteract the bad data.

Bill of Guarantees & Internet Control

Under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, he has enthusiastically embraced new information technology and the Internet. The Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) has been launched to make the quantum leap to be at the cutting edge of global  information technology revolution.

Under the MSC 10 point Bill of Guarantees, one of which is that, there will be no Internet censorship. Gradually, in recent years, independent Malaysian news web sites and blogs with political content have became increasingly common.

However, the recent warning call from the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on irresponsible blogging has stirred serious discussion among public.

"If information in blogs, websites and online portals were incorrect, bordered on slander, caused disturbance or compelled the public to lose faith in the nation’s economic policies, their authors would be detained for investigation," he said.

While some continue to speak out, some decided to take a break (at least during this peak period), the general sentiment among the blogsophere is considerably aware of the possible internet control through detention or amendment to the current law. At this point of time, any action can be deemed possible. One will never know when the time comes.

Perhaps the Internet merely forces us to see this more clearly than other media. The stark juxtaposition of valuable and valueless content sets one to thinking. Here is an opportunity to educate us all, in which we must evaluate and select.

In this 21st century information age, all of us, including media, have significant responsibilities and we must take responsibility for thoughtful use of the Internet and the World Wide Web and all of the information services and appliances yet to come. Free flow of information has a price and we’ll shoulder the burden of paying it.

Let’s move on.

Permalink | Leave a comment | Trackback
Subscribe to Email Feed | Subscribe to RSS Feed