Tag: censorship

While censorship can protect society from harmful content, its importance is often overrated as it can also suppress freedom of expression and hinder societal progress.

Outline:
I. Introduction
Hook: Censorship is a controversial topic in today's digital age.
Background: Brief overview of censorship's role and its impact on society.
Thesis Statement: While censorship can protect society from harmful content, its importance is often overrated as it can also suppress freedom of expression and hinder societal progress.

II. Supporting View 1: Protection from Harmful Content
Topic Sentence: Censorship protects society from harmful and dangerous content.
Example 1: In 2020, the Indian government banned TikTok to prevent harmful and inappropriate content.
Example 2: In 2021, the UK’s Online Safety Bill aimed to protect children from online abuse.
Example 3: In 2018, Australia introduced laws to censor violent video content.
Analysis: These examples show how censorship can safeguard the public from harmful materials.

III. Supporting View 2: Maintaining Social Order
Topic Sentence: Censorship helps maintain social order and prevent unrest.
Example 1: In 2019, Sri Lanka temporarily blocked social media to prevent violence after bombings.
Example 2: In 2021, Uganda restricted social media during elections to maintain peace.
Example 3: In 2020, Iran censored internet access during protests to control dissent.
Analysis: These cases illustrate how censorship can help maintain stability and public order.

IV. Opposing View 1: Suppression of Freedom of Expression
Topic Sentence: Censorship suppresses freedom of expression and democratic values.
Example 1: In 2020, Thailand's censorship of pro-democracy protests limited free speech.
Example 2: In 2021, Russia restricted access to opposition websites, stifling political dissent.
Example 3: In 2019, China's censorship of Hong Kong protests curtailed citizens' voices.
Analysis: These instances highlight how censorship undermines fundamental democratic principles.

V. Opposing View 2: Hindrance to Societal Progress
Topic Sentence: Censorship hinders societal progress and innovation.
Example 1: In 2021, Turkey's restrictions on social media stifled political and social discourse.
Example 2: In 2020, Egypt's censorship of media restricted investigative journalism and transparency.
Example 3: In 2018, Saudi Arabia's control over artistic expression limited cultural development.
Analysis: These examples demonstrate how censorship can impede progress and innovation in society.

V. Opposing View 2: Hindrance to Societal Progress
Topic Sentence: Censorship hinders societal progress and innovation.
Example 1: In 2021, Turkey's restrictions on social media stifled political and social discourse.
Example 2: In 2020, Egypt's censorship of media restricted investigative journalism and transparency.
Example 3: In 2018, Saudi Arabia's control over artistic expression limited cultural development.
Analysis: These examples demonstrate how censorship can impede progress and innovation in society.

Read about:
1. The Digital Silk Road “has been just as much about promoting China’s tech industry and developing digital infrastructure as it has about reshaping standards and internet governance norms away from a free, open, and interoperable internet in favour of a fragmented digital ecosystem, built on censorship and surveillance, where China and other networked autocracies can prosper."

2. An order by the Singaporean authorities to remove a cigarette from a Chinatown mural has sparked public criticism over censorship and historical revisionism.

3. In 2023, CPJ registered 320 imprisoned journalists worldwide. The Erased uses a unique font that links every single one of these 320 journalists to a censored word, and erases these words from participating (news) websites around the world. This symbolises the importance of free and independent journalism, and the danger of censorship: it takes away our right to know.