Information policy and on-line filtering : recent trends in regulatory and non-regulatory approaches

Abstract

Recent years have seen rapid developments in the technological spheres, so much so that the Internet has nowadays become the most powerful tool for communication and the flow of information, due to its massive and infinite space, as well as its infiltration in every corner of the World. It is hence inevitable that, like any other medium, different entities will seek to control such technologies according to the interests at stake. This study seeks to give an overview of recent trends and practices in on-line filtering, by monitoring qualitative and quantitative data being carried out in foreign countries, as well as discussing such data from a communications and legal point of view. The research has evidenced that while it is a reality that governments and intermediaries are controlling the Internet, there must be regulation that protects Internet users from the stifling of their fundamental human rights, as well as protecting their interests as consumers. Filtering and controls should be limited to exceptional cases which are subjected to thorough review according to a list of parameters specified by law and policies.