As the Internet grows and the various ways of sharing information change, the issue of what is permissible online will remain. In recent times the First Amendment Rights of individuals in the Internet era has become a hot topic.
The Internet is all about expression, but how far is too far when it comes to freedom of speech online? Since the Internet and current means of communication were nonexistent when it was drafted, much is open to interpretation. Deciding what is allowed online as it relates to freedom of expression is challenging.
One of the big issues concerning First Amendment rights and the Internet centers on whether the government has the right to censor what is said or done online. Many organizations have been pulled into the fray. The American Civil Liberties Union for example has come out against any government censorship of the Internet.
While it is agreed that children should be protected online, government control over Internet activity is widely seen as being against freedom of expression. This would in essence be contrary to everything the Internet is about. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter promote the concepts of sharing and expression, and any restrictions on these will be viewed negatively.
Most people are striving for common ground on the issue. They want to protect the rights granted under the constitution while having rules to protect children from the effects of exposure to some online activities. The laws are being rewritten and modified to suit a changing world, but losing some hard fought freedoms will never be widely accepted.