Chapter 3: Reading/thoughts 3.1-3.5

Name Brittany Murphy                                                                    Class time: 11

Author: Sara Baase

Date of Publication: 08/05/2012

Book: A Gift of Fire

Sections read:3.1-3.5

1.       (Questioning) After reading this chapter/article what relevant questions do I have?

Is it ethical to track people through IP addresses that want to remain anonymous?

 Should the First Amendment still protect the rights of freedom of speech, even though the internet was non-existent when it was written in the constitution?  

2.       (Knowledge)Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:

a.         Congress has previously passed a law giving 20 years in prison for anyone who distributed bomb making information with the intent of doing harm.

b.       Anonymity is still protected on the internet, although there are some inherent risks (ie criminal activity, illegal distribution of pornography ect). Anonymity is conventionally accepted elsewhere (authors, mail), yet there is now a more inherent risk as with the internet there is a wider access to potentially harmful information.

c.         The First Amendment was written to protect offensive speech, as noncontroversial speech needs not to be protected.

3.       (Comprehension) Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?

The right to free speech has been complicated as a result of the internet and the wide availability of information.  There is a particular concern for special populations, such as children. Creating laws that both allow for freedom of speech and protects the special population has proved difficult.  Also, freedom of speech extends to spam email, which due to its economically favorable pricing became a popular marketing tool in the 90’s, replacing traditional mail.

4.       (Connections) How does one element in this article specifically relate to Postman (or at times I will ask you to compare to a different article read in class- edit as appropriate)?

Postman said the each technological change has both positive and negatives. In this case the internet is having a profound impact on how society views freedom of speech in many different aspects of the internet and there are opposing sides on each issue. For example, as Baase said Spam emailing has been an issue modern society has been facing for over a decade.  The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, but does that include bulk emails?  The courts have decided yes, as long as it does not include anonymity.  As Postman would say, there are winners and losers in this situation. Companies are able to reach a larger target audience for a much cheaper price, but the consumers are forced to utilize spam blockers that occasionally block emails they need to see. As Baase pointed out, most people would not mind a few spam emails infiltrating their email once in a while, yet they would not want to miss an important email because it was classified as Spam.

5.       (Application) Name a specific example or NEW solution for this type of problem/similar situation in society or that you have experienced – be specific and explain?

When in High School, we were only able to access a very select number of websites because of the filters placed on the school’s network. Of course these filters were protective to the school itself and the people within; there were some inherent issues with it. For example, if a student was attempting research to complete a paper, it was nearly impossible as all of the search engines were blocked, making research nearly impossible. The only websites that were available were a few news stations and the schools website. One solution to this would be to allow access to search engines and other websites, but use a software to monitor uses, so that there is no school inappropriate behavior instead of just blocking everything. The internet can be a great tool for students and teachers alike to make new discoveries and new connections, blocking it is not cohesive to a learning environment.

6.       (Analysis) Compare one of the situations in this chapter/reading to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? Be sure to reference the chapter and your solution. What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading?

Prior to the days of technological advancements, in a world oftentimes governed by individuals, if a person was to say something that was frowned upon by others, there was a chance of him being killed. Now ad Baase discussed, there are laws be created to prevent people from spreading information, such as child pornography. In both instances there were punishments from spreading information that was offensive to at least one person. The problem with child pornography of course spreads further as it puts that children in danger. Either way, there was enforcement and in many ways needs to be a governing body to protect special interest groups such as children.

7.       (Synthesis) Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS, reference)?

Baase leads the reader to believe that the First Amendment should cover the increasing technology and I would agree with that. As Robin Morgan said “knowledge is power. Information is power. The secreting or hoarding of knowledge or information may be an act of tyranny camouflaged as humility.” Baase begins talking about how the First Amendment was created as a protection for controversial topics, as no one needs protection for accepted knowledge. Baase also continues on saying that if a law has a chilling effect than it is also non-constitutional, meaning that any law passed should not prevent people from saying what they want due to fear from the government, as ruled by the Supreme Court (138). One problem that society has faced is the government subsidies controlling the entities that need them. For example in the 1980’s abortion was illegal for discussion at clinics subsidized by the government. Also, in libraries and universities funded by the government there are now filters on what a person can view, although it can be asked to be turned off by anyone over the age of 18 (143).  On the issue of free speech, there are times that it is limited, such as BART who shut down cellphone service to prevent protesting on their transit systems. Baase is arguing through all of these points that the First Amendment is being tested with the increasing availability of technology. Due to the mass amount of information available, society needs to reconsider what they believe is the government’s right to govern. Baase leads the reader to believe that it is important for people to be aware of their rights as a citizen, so that they are able to fight for them, even though the information age. As Morgan was quoted saying, information is power and I would think Baase would agree with that quote.

8.       (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Are there any ethical considerations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics)?  What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter/article?

With countries such as China still filtering information that its citizen’s gain, of course the topic of information control and freedom of speech is still relevant. Also, countries such as the United States provide these countries with surveillance technology and technology to filter information from their citizens. They defend themselves ethically by saying the technology is only used to catch criminals, but as the organizer of a trade show said “we do not get into asking “is this in the public interest””. So there are ethical considerations, but they seem to be being ignored.. Personally, I am going to be much more aware of the ‘chilling effect’ and how it affects my day to day words.

9.       (Conclusion) After completing this assignment, based on new thoughts and evidence

a.        What new conclusions have you come to about this topic ?

I have concluded that as society it is our responsibility to be aware of the changing technology and how it is affecting our rights and liberties. Also, on top of that it is important to make informed decisions on what needs to be protected and if there is any information that it is ethically favorable for society. Of course, with that one must consider what is constitutional also, as the rights and liberties given through the constitution should be critical in decision and policy making.

10.   Below restate your questions from #1 and include the answer based on your new conclusions.

Is it ethical to track people through IP addresses that want to remain anonymous?

No, the First Amendment was developed to protect the right of those who have something to say that is controversial. Sometimes, in order to leak information, it is safer for the individual to remain anonymous because of the chilling effect of the government.

 Should the First Amendment still protect the rights of freedom of speech, even though the internet was non-existent when it was written in the constitution?  

Yes, just because technology is changing does not mean that the First Amendment is null and it is the jobs of the United States citizens to defend that. Although increased information availability can be threatening to those in power, as citizens are more likely to learn things that that would not have prior, it should fall on the government to clean their act up, rather than rely on more policies.

References:
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