The Importance of Having Internet Regulation

Internet Regulation

I am in favor of reasonable internet regulation. Unmonitored and unregulated web sites contribute to threats on American security, the promotion of anti-American views, and deaths due to published instructions on how to build weapons of mass destruction. In addition, the lack of oversight of internet activity allows bullying, the promotion of pornography, and sexual abuse of women and children. Internet fraud is becoming common; identity theft, phishing, spamming, spyware, and malware result in financial and security losses for innocent victims.

First, let us examine the role of internet regulation on threats to American security. Last year, Army Private Bradley Manning leaked military and other government documents to the web site WikiLeaks. “Among the documents leaked were sensitive battlefield reports from Iraq and Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands of diplomatic cables, and a video of a deadly 2007 Army helicopter attack that WikiLeaks shared and dubbed ‘Collateral Murder’” (Gresko).

This is a prime example of the need for internet regulation. This leak of classified military documents provided America’s enemies with materials that have the potential to cause the deaths of our American soldiers, compromise military tactics and plans, erode the trust of our foreign allies, and fuel hatred of America among radical groups. The Boston Marathon bombing last year is an example of destruction brought about by men influenced by radical anti-American internet sites. A growing distrust of Americans and the military action they take to promote democracy and the well-being of citizens of foreign countries is fueled by hate groups who use the internet to spread anti-American views. “The Tsarnaev brothers le...

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...e held to a higher journalistic standard than internet sites, will continue to report and publish those things the public needs to know.

In conclusion, internet regulation is necessary to protect the security of America, protect the innocent from becoming victims of internet pornography or bullying, and protect the American public from internet fraud. While internet users bear responsibility for staying informed about internet schemes and threats, using parental blocks, updating virus and security software, and using caution when making internet purchases, it is the responsibility of government to protect and regulate activities which pose a financial or security threat to its citizens. Therefore, internet regulation is necessary; and government must exercise its power to compel the technology industry to cooperate in making the World Wide Web safe and reliable.