What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet Being Censored in Hong Kong?

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Despite the easement of the problem of intellectual property theft and devastating losses in entire music industry, some useful information might be missed and limited re-create development in Hong Kong. This is because censorship laws operate much like a net, which assists online website to provide useful information. Relevant material may be swept into the same area of other sites that deserve censorship. It is widely acknowledge that the material on the internet is not only instant but also more informative, interactive, and tolerant of ‘different voices’’ from different concerns of the world (Burke, 1999). Meanwhile, the internet is a confluence of ideas, opinions, innovation, technologies, and logic, where people can learn about anything they imagine. This access to such vast resources can greatly encourage people to learn and carry out research and innovations. However, when it is censored and controlled, there is an attempt to shape what people think by limiting their access to certain information. For instance, netizens might consider the consequences of reusing online material rather than re-create innovative works daringly. This could dramatically reduce innovations and technological progress in the name of safeguarding the harmony of society.

To conclude, this essay has discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the internet being censored in Hong Kong. Benefits include the protection of children safe by percolate inappropriate violence, obscene and pornographic website, reduce virtual information and the protection of intellectual property. Disadvantages include the limitation of citizens' ability to advance in its understanding of the world, useful information may be eliminated, which may limit re-create development in Hong Kong. There are both pros and cons of internet censorship that need to be carefully considered, but it is also important to weigh them against one another. Internet censorship might not be all bad, but having this type of regulation in Hong Kong could lead to stricter regulations in the future.

References

• Bond, E. (2012) Virtually Anorexic – Where's the harm? A research study on the risks of pro-anorexia websites (PDF). Ipswich: University Campus Suffolk.

• Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) (2013) Threat Assessment of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse 2013 (PDF). London: National Crime Agency (NCA).

• Internet Watch Foundation (2012) Annual and Charity Report 2012 (PDF). Cambridge: Internet Watch Foundation.

• Livingstone, S. et al (2010). Risks and safety for children on the internet: the UK report. LSE, London: EU Kids Online.