Study Guide

1. Free Speech

   One major problem which arises when dealing with internet pornography is the issue of free speech. Many people believe that there is nothing wrong with having pornographic material available to view on the Web, as it is simply a medium of expression like many other art forms and communications. Those who are opposed to legislation which tries to limit access to Internet pornography argue that this is a violation of their right to free speech and expression. The Communications Decency Act, which was drafted in 1996 to put limits on content of the internet has already been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, but there is other legislation such as the Child Online Protection Act which is aimed at limiting Web content.
   • Browse the Free Speech Online for good arguments against regulating speech on the internet.
   • Freedom of speech v the will to protect children Jane Wakefield, ZDNet UK
   
   
   The Communications Decency Act of 1995 was a piece of legislation tried to limit internet content, but was eventually ruled unconsitutional because it infringed on free speech rights.
   • An overview of the CDA. Center for Democracy and Technology
   • Challenge by ACLU
   • The landmark decision issued by the Supreme Court in the CDA case. Electronic Privacy Information Center

2. Controlling Access to Internet Pornography

   Along with free speech comes the issue of who exactly should be able to view pornographic material. The recent trend has been to protect the freedom of users and suppliers to view and post pornographic material because it is protected by the first amendment. However, at the same time regulation of who gets access to the material needs to be addressed. One issue is how to control access of this adult material. Obviously the Web community does not want minors and especially young children to be viewing such material, so the topic of how exactly to regulate it without infringing on free speech becomes important. This may involve devices such as filters to keep minors from accessing pornography. However, these are not fail-proof techiques, so the debate over control rolls on.
   • Copy of the Children's Internet Protection Act.
   • Is it necessary to restrict pornography on the Internet?
     • See the original Time article; search for "pornography is different". //not there
   • Controlling Internet Access, by Paul F. Burton. A good source for a variety of information on controlling internet access.

3. Child Pornography

   Another issue which arises when dealing with Net pornography is the issue of child pornography. That is, pornography which contains pictures of children who are under the age of 18 and possibly much younger. Pornography is a legal form of expression, yet it is illegal to pose in such material if you are not of age. Often children who get involved with pornography are either forced into such actions or persuaded by powerful people who offer them gifts/rewards in exchange for pictures, videos, etc. Provided here are links to some anti-child-porn groups that fight to protect children from being abused and exploited via pornography.

   Some good definitions of child porn:

   • Definition of "Child Pornography" The Criminal Code of Canada - Updated
   • What is child pornography? ASP
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   • Anti Child Porn Organization
   • Ethical Hackers Against Pedophilia - Updated
   • Adult Sites Against Child Pornography