Iraq The Latest To Push For Internet Censorship

Looks like Iraq is the latest country to have politicians look to put in place widespread internet censorship rules, and it’s upsetting a lot of people there, who see it as an assault on their (only recently granted) right to free expression. Politicians are looking at banning books, as well, claiming they need to stop the dangerous influence some of these books and websites present. It would be interesting to see if there were actually any studies on how effective such things are. I think the folks most likely to be influenced by such things are pretty likely to get around the blocks — and actually interpret the blocks themselves as more evidence that the blocked content is valid. I doubt bans on such material actually slows its influence. However, it would be interesting if there were actually any research on this topic.

In college I did a research paper on internet censorship and China.  It all boils down to the fact that if people want it they will find a way to get around the best efforts of the government.  This can be through peer to peer networks or even downloading the complete web page for viewing while offline, plus policing the internet is impossible.  Most of the questionable content makes it through China’s best efforts to block it and is removed or banned at a later date.  You never know the US may be next,  we do have a Security Cyber Czar.  It is unlikely but the future trends can change in a blink of an eye.