Web site blocking is oppressive and won't work

Found on The Inquirer on Friday, 02 December 2011
Browse Censorship

Whether it's copyright trolls wanting to censor filesharing web sites to extract high prices for their content or the UK Prime Minister wanting to shut down social networks during times of unrest, web site blocking is oppressive by its very nature. In addition, it won't be effective.

Worse still, attempting to block web sites gets you some pretty dodgy friends. At the same event, it was mentioned that the Government's plans to block social media during times of popular unrest had drawn applause from certain countries that you "wouldn't want to get into bed with".

So the government is going to block web sites? It can try, but it will be fighting a losing battle. Censorship of the internet is oppressively draconian and simply will not work, so even to attempt it is pointless.

Those in charge are simply afraid. Even though they are elected representatives of their people (well, in some cases), they are often neglecting the promises they made and prefer to stay in their current positions; because it pays off. A decade ago a politician was safe until the next election, except maybe for a few letters of angry voters. Now those voters can interact and speak with a loud public voice.