???Freedom may not be free, but it is undeniably dangerous. Nowhere is this more evident than on the Internet, in which anonymity allow crimes such as identity theft and sexual harassment to go unregulated.
???However, this lack of regulation has also allowed for the evolution of a internationally-connected social and economic community, in which everyday classification tools like race and gender are sidestepped and the written word is given full attention, whether it be a Facebook status update or a blog entry. Internet anonymity has bred a world of equality and free speech.
???At the end of 2008, over 12 million computers were infected by the software program Conficker, going so far as to invade the computer networks of the French military, according to "A New Internet?," an article in Sunday's New York Times. The viral program continues to exist, as do its creators, whose identities remain unknown.
???How do you regulate something rooted in deregulation? The Times' article suggests a security system that would require personal identification in order to access public Internet. Think of it as a big cyber-border wall and we're all Mexicans.
???While it may sound wise to put safety first, one must consider what will be lost in regulation; namely, a sizeable amount of freedom.
???Not to mention the fact that the Internet is the widest border in the world, and if the U.S. can't monitor their southern border with any significance, how can anyone be expected prevent criminals from continuing to commit crimes on the Internet?
???After all, considering how easy actual fake identifications are to come by, how much easier will it be to acquire a virtual fake ID if these increased security measures are taken into account? If someone wants to rob you, they will most likely rob you.
???What this all comes down to is compromise. How much freedom is the Internet community willing to give up in order to ensure more virtual safety?
???The key word in that question is "ensure." If one cannot be absolutely sure that improved Internet rules and regulations will be enforced and abided by, then one cannot sacrifice their ability to voice said opinion.
???There is nothing more dangerous than censorship.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
