Censorship is a prevalent method used throughout social media; it would almost be unanimous, for those mature enough to use their platforms, to declare their knowledge on how often they are prone to censorship online. The question that begs, however, is whether censorship hides too much from society. In the case of whether censorship is a problem can be debated as within all its extremities, it can be proven to be helpful.

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Examples of Censorship

Before I go into detail about censorship and its use as both a ploy for the government and a method to reduce the exploitation and exposing of society, giving out examples of what it looks like in current day situations is important.

1. The UK’s Online Safety Act - Although passed in 2023, the Act was implemented recently.

2. The proclaimed ban of Tiktok from the US, which has been delayed temporarily.

3. In Russia, many media outlets were blocked by President Putin in 2014, in response to changes in response to government pressures. The government later passed legislation limiting foreign investment in Russian Media, further preventing their accessibility.

Although these examples are more so contemporary, there are many that I could mention, such as: Propaganda within Nazi Germany and Stalinism which are commonly associated with a growth in censorship due to their totalitarian nature. In terms of censorship, there are two main types. Stealthy and Visible

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Stealthy VS Visible Censorship

Stealthy Censorship - What is it?

Censorship evidently comes in different forms. Stealthy censorship comes at the expense of the user. Otherwise known as shadow-banning, stealth censorship relies on forbidding content from being viewed by a user, many are unaware of it occurring.

Posts made by users have been repeatedly restricted, with the removal of accounts and hidden comments. Researching on cases of censorship, the Human Rights Watch reviewed “1,050 cases of censorship from over 60 countries that align with years of them censoring content showing support for Palestine.” Shadow-banning, like visible censorship, is harmful, if not worse, considering that those who are victim to it are unaware of said actions. Examples of stealthy censorship would be bribing journalists, blocking media and the purchasing media companies secretly by government proxies

Visible Censorship - What is it?

On the other hand, visible censorship, which is easier to spot, can come in many forms such as violent harassment against journalists, and controlling access to government information. To the people visible censorship is apparent, where the acts of suppression are clear to them. As mentioned previously, the Online Safety Act of 2023 implements age verification and content moderation for what is deemed to be ‘dangerous material’.

This mostly refers to [censored], child sexual abuse, inciting violence, fraud, racial offences. In which many children and adults have been exploited by our social media platforms through apps like X and Discord, the Online Safety Act provides a safe platform for those who do not consent to the exposure of inappropriate media. Visible censorship understandably can be an advantage to society, however it is a flawed concept that endangers society, with violent acts and the killings of journalists in places like Gaza. If it is used to fulfill one’s self-interest then censorship presses states to become totalitarian.

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Advantages of Censorship

Arguing whether there is ‘good’ censorship is difficult as it surrounds a negative perspective due to the lack of freedom of expression. Clause 12 of the Human Rights Act of 1998 relates specifically to the freedom of expression, however with the Online Safety Act, it could be argued that this right is denied due to the inability to interact with such media. Yet, in turn, it protects our citizens.

It can be disputed that censorship is the “only way to protect vulnerable minorities”. Through the increase in racial discrimination and online abuse, the perpetual display of discrepant media can only be protected by passing legislation involving censorship.

Furthermore, censorship is able to combat cyber security threats and reduce misinformation from being spread. This enables stability within the country as it maintains the idea that citizens uphold their rights by having access to the correct information, rather than the dangerous, ambiguous and harmful.

Disadvantages of Censorship

Censorship, however, is undeniably a wrong to society. In all the drawbacks that come alongside censorship and the lives that are at the cost of corrupt government officials weeding their way into society through TV, newspapers, and social media. Those who are passionate about writing, are susceptible to getting wounded and killed. Many journalists have died attempting to report on wars, crimes against humanity and the consequences of such events.

In its entirety, censorship is like an illness, unable to be eradicated, with the people of society at its heart. Democratic systems are at risk due to the extent at which censorship is used, with media moguls and government officials walking hand in hand to create illusions for societies. Blocking information about ongoing wars and genocides.

In all forms of censorship, its biased nature of moderation violates our rights as humans, whilst restricting access to information and eroding public trust throughout its function. The obstruction of such a right is evidently disastrous with the lives of many at risk, due to either misinformation or disinformation.

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Is censorship a problem?

Censorship is everywhere; it is a problem. In day to day events we are constantly scrolling endlessly on social media apps like Tiktok and Instagram. On news outlets, firms choose what they allow to be accessed by the people.

We, as citizens, fall prey to their schemes in exploiting the attention spans of people. The internet is no longer used as a research tool, yet one that elevates AI deepfakes and false information. One that promotes ‘brain-rot’, ‘red-pilled’ content yet overlooks the death of many everyday. We are all victims of censorship and it is still a prevalent problem in society.