Public Vs Private censorship Public In public censorship

Public Vs Private censorship

Public: In public censorship is put forth for everyone, we are all censored by one person or entity for what they think is “Our own good” Public censorship is government censorship Falls under the first amendment Government has limited ability to censor; nearly non for print media. The government can ban indecent or obscene speech What is indecent or obscene speech?

Private censorship is much more common. Private censors are groups. Advertiser, corporations, etc…Those who have the power to influence what will and will not be seen First Amendment Provides Little Protection from Private Censors Often We Do Not Know that Private Censors Have Influenced Content Private Censors Have Resources (Usually Money) to Shape Content Private Industry Not Able to Resist Pressure from Private Censors

The distinction between public and private has frequently been invoked in order to try to solve some of these problems about what is appropriate for a social group, or to circumvent an oppressive law. Many places get around what is censored in public by charging a fee so they become a private group. *Case and point Porn. Many say we cant censor it publicly or regulate the internet

How far should the governments censorship rights go? Private censorship could be dangerous *Child porn * “The fraught issues around child pornography provide a graphic case in point: most people would prohibit the production and circulation of child pornography; on the other hand, pornography itself is a contested category with no airtight definition, and ‘reasonable 'people disagree absolutely about whether or not freedom of expression should extend to pornography, and about whether or not permitting it is harmful to the individuals involved, the group or the entire society. The impossibility of regulating the Internet and its access to children has pushed this particular issue very far forward in public debate. ”

Questions to think about Should the Gov't Censor TV Programs? If Yes, How Should the Gov't Decide What to Censor How Far Should the Gov't Go? If No, How Do We Protect Children?