Pros and Cons of Internet Regulation

Internet has been an open network, which works on the principle of net neutrality, whether or not it should be regulated like the other mass media is a matter of debate. Today there exist several laws to curb issues like child pornography and many other illegal activities over the internet. However, there are people who believe that a complete regulation is needed for the world wide web. There are two sides to this argument. Here are some of the prominent pros and cons of Internet regulation:

Pros of Internet Regulation

A stringent internet regulation can help to curb the innumerable illegal activities over the net. Internet regulation will also help to prevent the large number of financial frauds, phishing, identity thefts, credit card thefts and many other illegal activities, which are possible because of the unregulated and unrestrained Internet activities. Although there exist several laws about child pornography or prosecutions of pedophiles, these issues are still rampant on the Internet. Internet regulation will also mean stringent policies over unjustified defamation.

Cons of Internet Regulation

A complete takeover by the government or even other telecommunication giants can lead to violation of net neutrality and will dampen effectiveness of this medium. It will be against net neutrality principle and will allow certain websites to limit their content to paid customers. Internet regulation will also tend to curb the freedom of expression, which is perhaps one of the most conspicuous factors that are instrumental in the success and popularity of this medium. For years the Internet has been an open source of information. A stringent regulation policy will mean limited access to the extensive source of information.

Whether Internet regulation is good or bad might be a matter of debate, but what we can do to increase the effectiveness of this medium is to use it wisely! It is a tool that needs to be used with a sense of responsibility and common sense – if only everyone would understand and follow these ethics of Internet! Read more about issues like internet safety and internet privacy.