Readings

The readings for this week focus on net neutrality and online censorship,

Network Neutrality

These readings provide background into what net neutrality is:

These articles argue for net neutrality:

These articles argue against net neutrality:

These articles are about the recent move to end net neutrality:

Online Censorship

These articles discuss online censorship in China:

These articles discuss how various technology companies have dealt with online censorship in China:

These article discuss how technology companies are performing some form of online censorship in relation to terrorism:

These article discuss how technology companies are performing some form of online censorship in relation to hate groups:

These article discuss how such online censorship can be dangerous:

Questions

Please write a response to one of the following questions:

  1. From the readings, what exactly is Net Neutrality? Explain in your own words the arguments for and against Net Neutrality. After examining the topic, where do you stand on the issues surrounding Net Neutrality?

    • If you are in favor of Net Neutrality, explain how you would implement or enforce it. How would you respond to concerns about possible over-regulation, burdening corporations, or preventing innovation?

    • If you are against Net Neutrality, explain why it is unnecessary or undesirable. How would you respond to concerns about providing level playing fields or preventing unfair discrimination by service providers?

    In either case, discuss whether or not you consider that "the Internet is a public service and fair access should be a basic right". Additionally, do you have trust in an unbridled free market or does the government have a role to play in ensuring a level playing field?

  2. From the readings, what are the ethical, social, and moral concerns regarding online censorship? Should governments be able to suppress certain forms of speech? Should technology companies engage in the suppression of speech performed on their platforms? Consider the following:

    • Is it ethical for companies to remove dissenting opinions for governments?

    • Is it ethical for companies to remove information broadcasted by terrorism organizations, or about terrorism organizations?

    • Is it ethical for companies to remove discriminatory, provocative, hateful content generated by its users?

    • Is it ethical for companies to remove information that does not promote or share their interests or political beliefs?

    Finally, what is your take on the removal of the Daily Stormer website by various technology services? How do you feel about companies removing Nazi, fascist, or Alt-Right affliated content from online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit? Are you concerned about online censorship? Why or why not?

Feedback

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the course, please provide your feedback at the end of your response.