ISP blocking and censorship

[BenA]

I've combed the threads and having found something pertaining to this issue. If I missed something, please direct me there.

Simple question: If our government decides to block ISPs harboring internet sites, this will, in my understanding, be an unprecedented historical move. While we can all agree that child pornography and other horrific things could be justifiably blocked, where will the line be drawn? In other words, once precedent is established, what will stop the government from beginning to censor online sites?

The scary part is, no one would even know. They wouldn't have to put books on a list, make public statements, they could just quietly block an ISP. Few would know, and therefore a firestorm of rage would not be forthcoming. I am not a conspiracy theorist, nor do I believe there are no good people in congress, but frankly, I don't trust our government with that kind of power.

Also, does anyone think there is a chance that censoring online sites could be challenged by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional? Many will argue that this is not censorship, merely an enforcement of a law, but seriously, the moment the government blocks information going to your computer, it has committed a form of censorship, with good intentions or not. I, for one, believe the government should mostly leave the internet alone. This is, after all, America, and we have a 1st amendment. Censorship of sites without trial or debate in congress just puts us one step closer to a government like China's.

[meleader2]

[ QUOTE ]
I've combed the threads and having found something pertaining to this issue. If I missed something, please direct me there.

Simple question: If our government decides to block ISPs harboring internet sites, this will, in my understanding, be an unprecedented historical move. While we can all agree that child pornography and other horrific things could be justifiably blocked, where will the line be drawn? In other words, once precedent is established, what will stop the government from beginning to censor online sites?

The scary part is, no one would even know. They wouldn't have to put books on a list, make public statements, they could just quietly block an ISP. Few would know, and therefore a firestorm of rage would not be forthcoming. I am not a conspiracy theorist, nor do I believe there are no good people in congress, but frankly, I don't trust our government with that kind of power.

Also, does anyone think there is a chance that censoring online sites could be challenged by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional? Many will argue that this is not censorship, merely an enforcement of a law, but seriously, the moment the government blocks information going to your computer, it has committed a form of censorship, with good intentions or not. I, for one, believe the government should mostly leave the internet alone. This is, after all, America, and we have a 1st amendment. Censorship of sites without trial or debate in congress just puts us one step closer to a government like China's.

[/ QUOTE ]


well i think a lot of people would notice a crumpled mass of tubes lying on the white house lawn. the internets isn't a thing to be tinkered with. it isn't a big truck.

[BenA]

[ QUOTE ]
well i think a lot of people would notice a crumpled mass of tubes lying on the white house lawn. the internets isn't a thing to be tinkered with. it isn't a big truck.


[/ QUOTE ]

I think they could be more discreet than this.

[Hendricks433]

[ QUOTE ]
well i think a lot of people would notice a crumpled mass of tubes lying on the white house lawn. the internets isn't a thing to be tinkered with. it isn't a big truck.

[/ QUOTE ] you cant just through stuff on it. I hate stupid people making our laws.