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Social Responsibility and the Internet
Steve Bellinger
November 20, 2000
With the Internet's introduction to popular culture in the early 90s, a massive amount of knowledge became readily accessible to the general public. Unfortunately, the Internet has become an outlet for potentially dangerous information.
The problem is that the content of the Internet is neither screened nor policed. New illegal sites are created every day. Also, a malevolent site cannot necessarily be shut down because freedom of speech must be protected. Illegal pornography and bomb construction are just two items in a long list of controversial topics, which can be easily accessed on the Internet. The excess of information in combination with the anonymity available online has created a trend wherein malicious conduct seems to be more prevalent in our everyday lives.
Having the Internet as a resource for illegal pornography can be very hazardous. First, the Internet can be accessed within the privacy of your own home, away from others' judging eyes. Secondly, being aware that others share your obsessions can be seen as a form of validation. Since urges tend to be insatiable, viewing online pornography can eventually lead to the more serious crime of sexual assault on another. In this situation, the Internet is helping to transform a dysfunctional, yet harmless person into someone who is extremely dangerous. For information regarding the prevention of this occurrence please visit http://www.stopsexoffenders.com.
On this web site it is possible to take part various letter writing campaigns. This site also offers the latest news in the effort to shut down illegal pornography web sites as well as general information about many topics associated with sexual offences.
In the pre-Internet era, civilians would not be able to obtain any type of high explosives. The Internet has changed all of that by providing the means for instructions on creating bombs. In this case, the knowledge to create mass destruction is being given to those who are willing to abuse it. While twenty years ago, the idea of creating a bomb would likely be dismissed; the ease with which this information can be obtained can make a madman's dream a reality. Without much difficulty, I located detail instructions for building pipe bombs using two types of explosives!
The Internet has not created a gun pointed at society; it has merely provided extra ammunition. In other words, the Internet is not the root of the problem. Internet policing may be a temporary answer but will not prove to be a long-standing solution. However, an increased policing effort will break the current trend of encouraging deviant actions.
For more information on issues relating to the Internet visit the Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility at www.cpsr.org. This site offers perspectives from a public-interest alliance of computer scientists and others concerned about the impact of computer technology on society. Here you can find a variety of articles on many topics such as censorship and free speech or online privacy and civil liberties. This site also publishes an online newsletter on the current issues affecting your life. Only by gaining an informed point of view, can you make an intelligent decision on selecting a representative for future Internet policies.
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