Schreiber Model United Conference III
Economic and Social Council
Internet Freedom and Privacy
What is now called the internet was first developed in laboratories which were located in
the United States of America, France and Britain. After the U.S. Department of Defense awarded
contracts for packet network systems in the 1960’s, a college professor working at the University
of California, Los Angeles sent the first message of the ARPNET. In the following decades, an
increasing number of Universities installed the equipment needed to also use ARPNET.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) helped to expand the program, and consequently
was able to regulate what was on it. The system grew slowly until the 1980’s. By the end of the
decade, companies had commercial websites and supercomputer sites allowed for research to be
done using large databases. Following this rapid rise of internet use, by the mid-‘90’s private
connections became popular and ever since, the internet has had an impact on culture and
commerce.
Electronic mail, instant messaging, video calls, discussion forums, blogs, social
networking, and online shopping sites have all increased communication and commerce.
However, not all the ideas being spread by this new tool are welcomed. Many countries block
internet use due to political, social, economic, and security-related issues. This censorship targets
dangerous information including the mechanics of a dirty bomb, delaying the spread of opposing
political views, and most commonly, preventing pornographic sites from being seen. Countries
who practice Sharia law are especially likely to block the latter. The Arab Spring was largely
caused by students spreading and developing ideas through the internet. In response, some
countries, such as Iran, harshly constrained internet use.
Countries are also increasingly filtering information during crucial times. Throughout the
duration of election season, there is often a rise in blocked material. Blocking sites isn’t the only
form of censorship that countries use, more and more people are being arrested for comments
said on social media. Liking the wrong status on Facebook can land one in jail. In France,
Dieudonné M'bala M'bala, a controversial comedian, has been charged several times for
advocating ideas that oppose those of his country’s. There seems to be a trend of increasing
censorship and harshening punishments.
Another major issue in regards to the internet is privacy. Some countries have few
regulating laws. However, the more people that use the internet in a country, the more
controversial it becomes. Studies have shown a direct relationship between internet users and the
more want for privacy and no regulations. Companies can invade privacy relatively easily, most
consumers don’t even know it. On the other hand, search companies such as Google, have
respected some requests to not have certain information links pop up when certain words are
typed in. This “right to be forgotten” protects individuals, but also decreases the freedom of the
internet. Privacy and no restraints often contrast one another.
Food for Thought:

Should there be international regulations in regards to internet freedom and privacy?

Is freedom and privacy of the internet a right or a privilege?

Should privacy be protected, or should the loss of it be a mandatory sacrifice for using
the internet?

How to balance privacy and freedom.
Helpful Links:
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/resources/publicationsand-communication-materials/publications/full-list/global-survey-on-internet-privacyand-freedom-of-expression/
https://opennet.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_censorship_and_surveillance_by_country