The right of free speech, or the freedom of expression in international jargon, is among the most basic and crucial human rights. Equally as important, but not as well publicized, is the freedom from speech or expression.
Individuals and families have the right to be free from speech they deem harmful, offensive, or dangerous - especially within the walls of their own homes. This should be universally accepted.
Attendees at this week's
Internet Governance Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are debating the balance that needs to exist online between freedom of speech and freedom from speech. Some are concerned that efforts to protect children may be taken too far.
Malcolm Hutty, a spokesman for the London Internet Exchange expressed it this way, "We have to take account the real harm that online activity does to children, but we also have to be aware that this attempt to protect children is establishing norms that otherwise wouldn't be accepted."
Caution should be taken when proposing regulatory controls on the Internet, or on any form of media. We cannot, however, value technology more than the minds and lives of our children!
The CP80 Internet Zoning Initiative, organizing the Internet to let consumers choose what is available in their homes or businesses, is the best way to preserve both freedom of speech and freedom from speech.
The CP80 Foundation is pleased to offer free training to individuals who wish to learn more about the Internet, pornography, current laws and the CP80 Internet Channel Initiative.
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We can help give you a voice to fight porn. Let us give you the necessary tools to help families, protect businesses, and safeguard families against the negative effects of pornography. Speak out and be heard!