Is there a future for Internet Freedom?

 

The Future of Internet Freedom

The Freedom House has reported that internet freedom is declining globally, posing serious threats to human rights and safety. In the present era of technology, it is not easy to find someone who does not rely on the Internet for various purposes. Presently, the Internet serves many purposes, ranging from accessing news to accomplishing tasks. Due to the prevalence of social media and video calls, it has become one of the most widely utilized means of communication. Hence, one may be pardoned for supposing that internet freedom should not be impeded.

Unfortunately, governments from all over the world are imposing restrictions on content shared online. According to the United Nations, false news and misinformation increase are frequently cited as the primary reasons for implementing limited access to online content, alongside national security concerns. Governments and social media companies face significant human rights dilemmas concerning Internet freedom. On the one hand, they forcefully combat detrimental content (hate speech) on the Internet, a speech that is protected and permitted under international law. On the other hand, intervening or removing content can have an impact on the rights to freedom of expression and privacy and may result in censorship. Amid these challenges and dilemmas, most governments have opted to regulate internet content to ensure accountability. As of 2021, approximately 40 social media regulations had been implemented globally within two years, and an additional 30 more were being evaluated.

From a user's perspective, the freedom of expression on the Internet enables individuals to freely share their diverse viewpoints, regardless of any potential backlash or censorship. The Internet has revolutionized how people and businesses connect and communicate, enabling them to freely exchange ideas and thoughts without being limited by geographical or political barriers. It allows people to share their thoughts and engage in various viewpoints. With the declining internet freedom, the main question is, who is fighting to ensure these benefits are not restricted? In this article, I will examine various studies about the government's attempt to promote freedom on the Internet.

Views towards Censorship on Internet Content

In 2020, President Donald Trump issued executive orders banning social media sites such as WeChat, a messaging application, and TikTok, the short-video platform, due to concerns regarding their potential risks to U.S. national security. In June 2021, President Biden revoked the August 2020 directives issued by former president Donald Trump. Federal courts had already blocked the enforcement of Trump's decrees, citing concerns related to freedom of speech. Biden's recent directive instructed the Department of Commerce to assess the possible national security risks linked to social media sites owned, controlled, or managed by "foreign adversaries." In November 2021, the department proposed new regulations for third-party audits of such applications. As of May 2023, these regulations are still being evaluated.

Despite the government's effort to enhance Internet freedom, American citizens increasingly support the authorities' control and regulation of Internet use. Five years ago, the majority of the American public (58%) supported and advocated for the unrestricted dissemination of information over the Internet, with only 39% supporting the restriction. Over time, things have changed, and people are currently supporting the restriction of internet content. A study by the Pew Research Centre revealed that the majority of Americans believe that both the U.S. government and technology companies should work together to address the issue of false information and extremely violent content on the Internet. The percentage of American adults advocating for government regulation of misinformation has increased from 39% in 2018 to 55% in 2023. Approximately 55% of Americans support the implementation of steps by the U.S. government to restrict the dissemination of misleading information on the Internet, even if it entails imposing restrictions on the freedom to publish or access information.

Partisan differences

Both Democrats and Republicans support the notion that technology companies should restrict the posting of false information online. However, Americans who identify as Democrats and those who lean towards the Democratic Party are significantly more inclined than Republicans and Republican-leaning individuals to endorse the implementation of measures by the U.S. government aimed at limiting the dissemination of misleading information on the Internet (70% vs. 39%). In 2018, there was minimal distinction between the political parties. Only 40% of democrats supported restriction compared to 39% of republicans who supported the restriction efforts.

The percentage of democrats has consistently risen over the years for political and democratic reasons. For instance, Democratic legislators referenced the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol as a significant factor in their support for restriction on internet content. Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) stated, "Freedom of speech encourages us to ask tough questions about what is going on in the media, what is motivating the tidal wave of disinformation that is putting the lives of so many Americans and ultimately our democracy at risk." Notably, the proportion of Republicans holding this perspective has remained relatively the same while Democrats' proportion has increased to 70%. The divisions between political differences continue to exist when it comes to imposing limitations on very violent content on the Internet. Democrats have a higher propensity than Republicans to advocate for the U.S. government (71% vs. 48%, respectively) and tech businesses (83% vs. 61%) to implement measures that prevent violent content on the Internet, even if it entails restricting freedom of information.

The differences are further observed in the aspect of age. Individuals who are 50 years old and above exhibit a higher inclination compared to younger individuals to advocate for the implementation of measures by both technology companies (68% vs. 62%) and the U.S. government (58% vs. 52%) to limit the dissemination of misleading information on the Internet. Out of these individuals, 75% feel that it is the role of technology companies to impose limitations on violent content available on the Internet. In comparison, 66% of these individuals feel the United States government should impose such restrictions.

How is false information detected?

The nature of social media platforms allows quick and easy access and spread of information as soon as a user posts such information. The increasing spread of false information is indeed a concern. Similarly, the declining freedom of the Internet is also a concern in relation to individual's First Amendment Rights. The interactions and information people come across on these platforms are influenced not just by their own choices but also by the algorithms and artificial intelligence technologies that regulate various parts of these digital spaces. Social media companies employ algorithms to fulfill various functions on their platforms, such as determining and organizing the content users are exposed to, predicting users' preferences for advertisements, and providing recommendations for content that users may find appealing. However, the question of ways through which the algorithms will aid in the identification and removal of hate speech through content moderation before it spreads to several users is still widely debated by various actors. Either way, both the government and tech companies should cooperate and come up with effective ways of preventing misuse of social media and internet platforms. In answering my question about the future of Internet freedom, I believe that the question is widely debatable considering the underlying laws that guard human rights, and the reasons for regulating internet freedom. Besides, no known algorithm has been established that automatically detects and blocks users from posting content in the internet. 

Sources

Aubin, C. S., & Liedke, J. (2023). Most Americans favor restrictions on false information and violent content online. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/20/most-americans-favor-restrictions-on-false-information-violent-content-online/