Site Blocked:
A Presentation on Online Freedom of Speech

Introduction by Jonathan Stickles

The Internet is a unprecedented source of copious and readily available information. The network connects people more than ever before in history. If the exchange of information has ever been dangerous, then the Internet takes that danger and amplifies it.

This presentation is an article series that looks at efforts to censor various content on the Internet. Our first articles are about domestic efforts within the United States -- specific laws that attempted to regulate behavioral or content standards on the Internet. Many of the laws that attempted to do this have either been defeated in Congress or overturned in court. We will look at what the goals of these laws were, and whether, why, and how they stood or fell.

After looking at several laws, we'll discuss the many different ways that governments or groups have attempted to control what content is available online -- and look at how those measures can be circumvented or defeated. Finally, we will explore two recent issues. The first is a look at the Arab Spring revolts, using Syria as a case study to examine an oppressive government's response to internal dissent. The second is a look at the history and future of Wikileaks, including government responses and its implications for the future.

You can navigate this presentation using the links on the right. Please join us in a thoughtful consideration of the past, present, and future of our online freedoms.