This article has been written by Sreyashshri S pursuing a Training program on Using AI for Business Growth from Skill Arbitrage.

This article has been edited and published by Shashwat Kaushik.

Introduction

The advancement in technology has made our lives easier and faster with the use of computers and the internet. Many people have transformed their houses into workspaces since they can communicate with their colleagues/partners through the internet about their daily duties.

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As the internet is accessible to all people, irrespective of age, there have been both positive and negative impacts on it. This has created a demanding task for many governments to ensure that they control what is exposed to the public through the internet.

Many countries have taken various steps to ensure monitoring of what information is available to their citizens. The government has therefore linked up with internet providers to make use of content filters. This means that only information that is with common consent in particular states will be available on internet search engines. This brought in the concept of suppression.

Objective of censorship

As per information from sources available, we can say censorship is introduced to get your hands on or to be able to use only a few things that are common and do not cause any harm to the public. Also, it blocks or supervises sensitive or offensive information. Individuals or firms may practise self-censorship by choosing not to communicate with others or share their thoughts to avoid any legal action.

Censorship is a controversial topic, as it has both pros and cons. It has been followed by various countries in a different manner according to their respective laws. The important reasons for this suppression are to keep an eye on the following factors:

  • National security: Details are kept secret from the common people about acts of terrorism by shutting down the internet to ban the spread of the news due to its after- effects. This also happens in the case of illegal drugs or the making of artillery equipment. While governments say that shutdowns are necessary to ban the spread of news about terrorist attacks to prevent panic, it has been found that open communication helps safeguard the public.
  • Protection of minors: To protect the kids from getting exposed to content risks such as abuse, violence and pornography.
  • Protection of human dignity: To stop arousing hatred of a racial group and the agitating speeches, it is necessary.
  • Economic security: To ensure security from fraud, credit card cracking and carding.
  • Information security: In today’s world, cybercrime has become more severe, affecting people and businesses. Censoring helps in managing security.
  • Protection of privacy:  Illegitimate communication of personal data, cyberstalking, etc
  • Protection of reputation:  A false advertisement affects reputation if the advertiser deliberately misleads the consumer. This will also lead to defamation.
  • Intellectual property:  To protect against unlawful distribution of copyrighted works, it is mandated.

The major drawback of censorship is that it limits not only the right to acquire information but also free speech. In countries where the suppression of content is being followed, an advertisement or post can be considered an offence, and the person responsible for it can even be put behind bars. This stops people from speaking out about anything in public, which eventually leads to ignorance.

Censorship in different countries 

Censorship laws are followed strictly in a few countries. Among all, China, with its huge growth in industrial development and progression, stands as a global powerhouse for entrepreneurship and is well-known for its stringent mechanisms of control, called the “Great Firewall of China.” The public lacks access to many websites and social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter. Even Google’s search engine and its products are banned in China. Few search results and words being used online are also inspected by the ruling. This significantly influences the entrepreneurial landscape in the country.

In Saudi Arabia, content based on religion and integrity cannot be shared or circulated. Porn websites and articles considered derogatory to Islam are also not allowed to be accessed.

In Iran, many social media platforms and popular websites are most often blocked due to its strict regulations.

In Russia, the laws and regulations have tight control over the internet, which requires internet service providers to censor websites that the government decides are “extremist.” This includes widely accepted websites that raise their voice over the governing body. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the rules were made even more stringent, blocking lots of sites to curb the spread of news.

The rationale behind these censorship measures is often justified by the authorities as necessary to maintain stability, protect national security, and prevent the spread of extremist or false information. However, critics argue that these restrictions stifle free speech, limit access to information, and hinder the free flow of ideas. They assert that the government’s control over the internet serves to suppress dissent, silence opposition voices, and maintain its hold on power.

The implications of these policies are significant for both individuals and society as a whole. Internet users in Russia face limitations on their ability to access information, engage in open discussion, and voice their opinions freely. The chilling effect of censorship can deter people from expressing critical views or sharing alternative perspectives, leading to a narrowing of public discourse.

Furthermore, the blocking of websites can have broader consequences for society. It can limit people’s exposure to diverse viewpoints, hinder their ability to stay informed about global events, and impede their access to essential resources and services available online. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on news websites can make it more difficult for people to stay informed about public health guidelines, updates, and developments, potentially exacerbating the impact of the crisis.

Censorship can also happen in unnoticeable ways. Many countries, with the help of access providers, collect data on their users’ activities to track their people. This will be a hindrance for ISPs to treat all internet providers with equality.

In India, censorship laws take everything that comes into public ownership. For example, the government may suppress the news if it is concerned with national security issues.

Thus, there have been many occasions wherein a few speeches and videos have been removed from the public domain. This includes anything against national security, hurting any particular sect of people and so on. As the suppression is increasing, it has an inverse effect on the freedom of expressing the personal view.

  • The censorship process is done by the government by giving orders to ISPs to stop or remove access to certain websites.
  • Censorship is followed in India either by direct or indirect means by different legislation and authorities that offer services in different domains like IPC, CrPC, Press (which is known as the fourth estate), cinema and cable television.

As there is a social media boom, the suppression of the growth of social media is increasing on a large scale, which causes worry as the ruling power is taking over the authority of controlling things.

At present, the Information and Technology Act,  of  2000 regulates social media usage. Sections 67A, 67B, 67C and 69A have assisting laws in controlling these social media platforms.

According to Section 67A, whoever publishes or transmits any material containing sexually explicit acts or conduct in electronic form shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend to five years and shall also be liable to a fine. Such material includes any text, pictures, graphics, or audio-visual recordings that depict or describe sexual acts or conduct in a manner that is lascivious or indecent.

The purpose of Section 67A is to combat the dissemination of pornographic content online, which can have a harmful impact on individuals and society as a whole. This provision seeks to deter individuals from publishing or transmitting such material and imposes significant penalties for violations.

Section 67B deals with child pornography, which covers children under 18 years old. This is to safeguard the minors.

Section 67C of the Information Technology Act, 2000, deals specifically with the publication or transmission of sexually explicit material involving children. Its primary purpose is to protect children from being exploited and safeguard their innocence. This section recognises the vulnerability of children and aims to prevent their exposure to harmful and inappropriate content.

According to Section 67C, publishing or transmitting any material depicting a child engaged in a sexual act or any other sexually explicit act or conduct is strictly prohibited. This includes any act or conduct that involves the exposure of the child’s private parts, whether real or simulated. The law also criminalises the publication or transmission of any information that could lead to the identification of a child who has been subjected to sexual abuse or exploitation.

The rationale behind Section 67C is to prevent the commercialization and distribution of child sexual abuse material. By criminalising such acts, the law aims to deter individuals and organisations from engaging in activities that harm children. It also serves as a protective measure to ensure that children are not exploited or subjected to abuse for financial gain or personal gratification.

Section 69A gives authority to the ruling power to have control over the information available on the internet for the public’s viewing to protect the country’s honour.

All these sections are mandated in order to have control over major concerns that are related to the country as a whole. Also, this gives an overview of the actions to be taken if it happens.

Countries such as Iceland, Canada, Georgia and a few more enjoy internet freedom.

Impact of censorship on entrepreneurs

As truly quoted by Allan JENKINS “Censorship in any form is the enemy of creativity, since it cuts off the lifeblood of creativity: ideas.” The censorship has affected many sectors but the largely affected group is the upcoming entrepreneurs.

Limited access to information

Having no or less access to the information can lead to bias as one cannot have the full information regarding a particular subject. This can be a demanding task, as the opinion may vary depending on the material accessible.

Innovation constraints

Digital censorship can undermine originality, interpretation and evaluation. Having access to a few things affects the ability to convey things among people freely.

The ability to freely convey thoughts and ideas among people is fundamental to the exchange of knowledge, the development of new perspectives, and the progress of society. However, digital censorship undermines this essential process by limiting the availability of information and stifling open dialogue. As a result, people are less likely to be exposed to diverse viewpoints, which can lead to a narrowing of perspectives and a diminished capacity for critical thought.

By limiting access to information and ideas, digital censorship also hinders the ability of individuals to make informed decisions. When people are unable to access a wide range of perspectives, they are more likely to rely on limited or biassed information, which can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of understanding of the complex issues facing society.

Restricted communication and collaboration

Controlling access to the internet is having an impact on limited learning, associating with colleagues, and socialising and thriving in the contemporary world. This hampers business growth.

Fear of expression

Concern and suspicion are being created among the people,  though they want to express their opinion on something. Once the idea of sharing is stopped, the feeling of being isolated and disconnected arises. 

Potential for self-censoring

The public or companies have to control themselves for many reasons. Maybe it is related to business, ethical or spiritual thoughts in order to obey the customs out of threat and other effects so they choose to be safer. This limits the expressiveness.

Market entry barriers

Setting limits on the widely used online platforms and tools will hinder start-ups or mid-size enterprises from establishing  contact with their audiences in a very less or economical way. This makes it tough for them to compete in the global market.

Impact on e-commerce

With the advancement of the internet, e-business has taken control over the typical business to a large extent, improving the whole economy. The challenges being faced are export bans, which include trade restrictions, sabotaging the environment and investment, information aid and digital communication. This is done by preventing access to the particular site. This, in turn, has a huge effect on trading. Henceforth, we can say censorship acts as a technical obstacle to trading.

Reputation management challenges

Reputation plays a major role in online trade. If customers lose confidence in a particular product or brand due to negative reviews, breaches, or interruptions, they will naturally outdo that. This will cause sales to drop, leading to low revenue generation and returns. It will have an effect on client holding and also allure fresh leads.

Decreased transparency

Online transparency is the universality of a brand or its products in a broad client atmosphere. Latency for startups and their businesses can have a drastic effect as they struggle to reach visitors. If the fresh clients are not there, then it will lead to zero sales or low revenue generation and returns.

Compliance costs

Due to censorship, there is a burden of additional charges being levied on entrepreneurs to filter content and monitor technologies.

Loss of privacy

Entrepreneurs may feel that their privacy is compromised, and this can have a deterring effect on their freeness to explore new ideas or engage in open discussions.

Inhibiting Freedom of speech and expression

The significance of freedom is foremost as it makes people speak out their opinions or thoughts if they feel it is relevant. With censorship, that freedom is asphyxiated and breaches the rights everyone has. This restricts the sharing of opinions and policies on common media sites.

Customer trust

If there is no transparency, then buyers lose trust in the startups. This affects their business and can lead to a loss for the business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, internet censorship should be done carefully to ensure that useful information is not censored. On the other hand, measures should be put in place to ensure that unacceptable information is not accessed by the public. The impact of it on entrepreneurship poses a major drawback as they have limited access to information, asphyxiating innovative things, not supporting investment, etc. Efforts to promote a free and open internet are essential to bring up a developing entrepreneurial system that goes beyond borders and authorises innovators to drive positive change.

References

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