Government Censorship and Technology: A Battle of Information Control

Why is government censorship more challenging in countries without freedom of speech?

A) FAX machines

B) the Internet

C) cellular phones

D) portable video recorders

E) all of the above

Final answer:

Answer:

Government censorship is challenging to enforce due to technologies like the Internet, cell phones, and video recorders, all of which aid in spreading information. These tools have been pivotal during significant global events where freedom of speech was suppressed, like in China. Digital advancements have made information flow rapid and global, weakening traditional censorship efforts.

Explanation:

Government censorship is much more difficult to enforce in countries without freedom of speech because of E) all of the above, which includes FAX machines, the Internet, cellular phones, and portable video recorders. These technologies facilitate the spread of information and can circumvent restrictive measures imposed by governments seeking to regulate content and control dialogue. China, for example, has attempted to suppress what it calls "harmful information," such as criticism against government politics or dialogue regarding sensitive political issues. However, with the proliferation of digital technologies, it has become increasingly challenging to maintain such a tight rein over information dissemination as individuals can easily share news and opinions through various mediums.

These technologies have been instrumental in spreading ideas and raising awareness of events like the Tiananmen Square protests, the Arab Spring, and the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, against the intentions of content regulation by states like China and Saudi Arabia. The advent of the Internet in particular has drastically altered the landscape of freedom of expression, by making information and communication accessible on an unprecedented scale, while also raising new First Amendment issues due to the availability of potentially obscene or violent material.

While freedom of the press is protected under the Bill of Rights, it is not absolute, and the U.S. government may regulate speech that is libelous, slanderous, or poses a security risk. Nonetheless, in the digital age, it has become arduous for governments to keep pace with the rapid sharing and global nature of information flow, which can diminish the effectiveness of traditional censorship methods.