CS 101Computers and SocietyLecture 5 Freedom of Expression

ObjectivesIn what ways does the Internet present new challenges in the area of freedom of expression?What key free-speech issues relate to the use of information technology?

Freedom of ExpressionThe Internet enables a worldwide exchange of news, ideas, opinions, rumors, and information.Provides easy & inexpensive ways for a speaker to send a message indiscriminately to a large audienceWith these new methods come responsibilities and new ethical problemsKey Issues:Controlling access to information on the InternetAnonymity DefamationHate speechPornography

First Amendment RightsThe right to freedom of expression is one of the most important rights for free people everywhereThe First Amendment to the US Constitution was adopted to guarantee this rightCongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assembly, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.Article 3, Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution prohibits any law that abridges the freedom of speech, of the press or the right to peaceful public assembly.

First Amendment Rights (cont.)Types of speech are not protected by the First Amendment:Obscene speech pornography, Nazi materials, sexual/racial disgrace, etc.DefamationIncitement to panicIncitement to crimefighting wordsSedition rebellion against government

Controlling Access to Information on the InternetFreedom of speech on the Internet is complicated by childrens accessInternet filter Blocks access to certain Web sites that contain inappropriate or offensive materialURL filteringBlocks URLs or domain names Keyword filteringBlocks key words or phrasesDynamic content filteringWeb sites content is evaluated immediately before being displayed

Controlling Access to Information on the Internet (continued)Popular Internet Filters

Controlling Access to Information on the Internet (continued)ICRA (formerly Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited) Rating systemUsers can configure browsers to read the label to block contentRelies on Web authors to rate their siteComplement to other filtering techniquesMicrosoft IE Content Advisor

Controlling Access to Information on the Internet (continued)ISP blockingBlocking is performed on the ISP serverClearSail/Family.NET prevents access to certain Web sites

Controlling Access to Information on the Internet (continued)Problem with FiltersCan screen out too many/too littleSites about Middlesex and EssexSites about sex education, breast cancer, feminism, or gay/lesbianNew site appear regularlyKids get around with filterSome materials may be buried (hidden) under the documentSlow access

AnonymityPrinciple of anonymous expression People can state opinions without revealing their identityIn the wrong hands, it can be a tool to commit illegal or unethical activitiesImportant to some users:Seeking help in an online support groupReporting defects about a manufacturers goods/servicesParticipating in a discussions of sensitive topicsExpressing a minority/antigoverment opinionParticipating in chat rooms

AnonymityDisadvantageUse for criminals/antisocial purposesHarassmentDistribution of pornographyPlan terrorist attacksAnonymous remailer serviceComputer program that strips the originating address from the e-mail messageForwards the message to the intended recipientEnsures no header information

Defamation and Hate SpeechDefamationPublication of a statement of alleged fact that isFalse Harms another personHarm is often of a financial natureOral defamatory statement - SlanderWritten defamatory statement - Libel

Defamation and Hate SpeechActions includeSending threatening private messages over the Internet to a personDisplaying public messages on a Web site describing intent to commit acts of hate-motivated violenceLibel directed at a particular person

PornographyThe Internet has been a boon to the pornography industryMore than 60,000 Web sex sites are accessibleThe sites generate at least $1 billion a year in revenueReasonable steps to stop access in the workplaceEstablishing a computer usage policyProhibiting access to pornography sitesIdentifying those who violate the policyTaking action against those users

PornographyProtecting childrenUse of filterGood parentingPlace PC in living roomDiscuss dangerRemind them of posting information

Republic Act No. 9775An act defining the crime of child pornography, prescribing penalties therefor and for other purposesAnti-Child Pornography Act of 2009The new law will penalize Anyone who takes on the act of using children, employing them and forcing them to engage or perform in sexual activities. Includes manufacturing, production and distribution, and marketing and promotion of child pornographic materials in any format, be it visual, written, digital, or optical.The law also specifies the duties and responsibilities of ISP, mall owners and operators or lessors of business establishments, and internet content hosts to report any commission of any form of child pornography in their respective areas.

What Would You Do?1. A friend contacts you about joining his company, Anonymous Remailers Anonymous. He would like you to lead the technical staff at a 25 percent increase in salary and benefits over your current position. Your initial project would be to increase protection for users of the companys anonymous remailer service. In discussing the opportunity with your friend, you learn that some of the firms customers are criminal types and suppliers of pornography and hate mail. Although your friend cannot be sure, he admits it is possible that terrorists may use his firms services. Would you accept the generous lob offer? Why or why not?

What Would You Do?2. You are the vice president of human resources and are working with a committee to complete your companys computer usage policy. What advice would you offer the committee regarding Internet pornography? Would the policy be laissez-faire (leave it alone), or would it require strict enforcement of tough corporate guidelines? Why?

What Would You Do?3. You are a member of your companys computer support group and have just helped a user to upgrade his computer. As you run tests after making the upgrade, you are surprised to find that the user has disabled the Internet filter software that is supposed to be standard on all corporate computers. What would you do?

What Would You Do?4. Imagine that you receive a hate e-mail at your school or lob. Does your school or workplace have a policy that covers such issues? What would you do?

What Would You Do?5. You are the chairperson of the board of directors at your countys public library system. You plan to install Internet filtering software. Outline a plan to complete the installation that appropriately involves patrons and employees of the library and ensures minimal problems with the filters.