Who should be allowed to filter the internet?

Instructions

This unit has explored ideas regarding filtering, censorship and freedom of speech and expression online. You are asked to build upon these ideas and articulate your own argument regarding who (if anyone) should be allowed to filter the internet. We are aware that this is a very broad question: for your essay, you should focus closely on a particular case to narrow your discussion. Here are some initial questions that you might consider, helping you to get started in thinking about an example to discuss in your essay:
• Does any government have the right, or the need, to filter the internet for their citizens (and others within their borders)?
• Is Internet censorship more acceptable when policies are created through democratic institutions? l Is Internet censorship more acceptable when policies are transparent?
• Who should decide which material is appropriate for children?
• Should parents be the sole arbiters of their children’s online habits?
• How much, if any, filtering is appropriate for educational institutions?
• How should offensive material such as child pornography be handled?
• Should hate speech (for example calls for violence against women or other marginalised groups) be blocked?
What role should platforms play in blocking access to particular content?
Please note: You do not need to address all of these questions. They are intended to help you get thinking of particular cases you might examine and discuss to build your argument. Given the size of the essay it is advisable to choose only one or two areas to focus on and make your argument. You can use any of the above questions as a starting point, or follow your own interests.