Katie Belden CS408-01 Assignment 5

Assignment 5: Hate And The Internet

1. How would you define “hate speech?”
   I would define hate speech as interacting with other individuals or groups in a rude and disrespectful way. Targeting those of a different race, age, religion, gender, etc.
2. Would you advocate placing limits on free expression (as most European countries do) in order to deal with the problems posed by hate speech? If so, how would you define those limits?
   When it comes to the issue of hate speech, I would definitely advocate placing some sort of limits on free expression. The Internet is full of sites and blogs that consist of people trash talking everything that they don’t believe in or like. This does not make the Internet a happy environment for innocent children surfing the web. If I were to set any limits, they would be the age restriction on certain sites to protect younger kids.
3. Should we attempt to reach an international consensus on how to define hate speech and on the standards (if any) to be applied in dealing with it?
   It would be extremely difficult for everyone to reach an international consensus on anything, let alone something such as hate speech. The freedom of speech is a very controversial topic among people. It would be ideal for everyone to agree that certain things need to be removed or restricted on the Internet, but it is very unrealistic.
4. Is censorship or filtering of hate group websites ever appropriate? If so, under what circumstances?
   I think that the censoring of hate groups is appropriate. I personally believe things known as “hate groups” shouldn’t even be created in the first place. Some would argue that the censoring of these sites is taking away their freedom of speech but if the content is really that bad, it should be removed.
5. Should creators of hate-oriented Web sites be held responsible for actions of people (such as the 'lone wolves,' people who commit crimes of hatred without specific instructions) who view those sites and then commit hate crimes?
   I don’t believe they should completely be held responsible for everything on their sites, but somewhat to blame since they were the creators of them. Most of the blame should be on those who contribute in the website’s hate speech and inappropriate behavior.
6. Would you advocate special restrictions on making hate-related material available to children via the Internet? (If so, what would you propose?)
   I would attempt to make restrictions on the making of hate-related material. Children should not be exposed to such things while on the Internet. You should be a certain age to have the access and ability to view or create such things on the Internet.
7. Should there be any distinction between what is legal online and what is legal offline?
   I believe that whatever is accepted or allowed offline should be the same for online. Being hidden behind a screen shouldn’t give people the idea that they are free to do whatever they want.
8. Should the standards that apply to hate-related material be different from the standards that apply to other objectionable material such as pornography?
   I personally think they both should have high standards and restrictions. But, when it comes to pornography, they should set even higher standards because things like that should not available to children to view.