Censorship

Written by Vaishnavi Kale

Meaning: Censorship is a term that refers to the suppression of speech, public communication, or other information by a government or a private organisation. The term ‘censor’ means to review something and choose to remove or hide parts of it that are considered to be unacceptable.

Censorship is important to avoid any sensitive or unethical content. There is freedom of the press when there is no censorship. However, even in many developed countries, there is censorship.

Why is censorship important?

There are ample reasons censorship is important.

Some of the places where censorship is crucial:

1. Stopping non-religious work

2. Protecting sensitive military information

3. Stopping anti-religious work

4. Keeping political power

Self-Censorship:

As the name suggests it is at the self-level.

Definition: Self-censorship means exercising control over what one says and does to avoid criticism.

It is an act of censoring or classification of one’s discourse. This is most often done by as they avoid publishing content that is harmful or unacceptable.

Political Censorship:

Definition: Political censorship is when a government attempts to conceal, fake, distort, or false information that its citizens receive by suppressing or crowding out political news that the public might receive through news outlets like newspapers, magazines, etc.

Internet Censorship:

Definition: It is the control or suppression of what is accessible, what is published, or visible on the internet. It is controlled by the regulators like the government or private organisations.

Government Censorship:

Definition: It is when the government puts restrictions on what can be viewed or published in the media.

Advantages of censorship:

1. It can reduce the negativity as only relevant information is published.

2. It can protect children from content that is not relevant to their age.

3. It can reduce the conflict in society.

4. It is important for the country's security.

5. It can protect the artists, journalists, and innovators' rights.

6. It provides only relevant information.

7. It helps in rating content.

Disadvantages of censorship:

1. It can suppress the voices of the minority groups.

2. It stops individuals from pursuing career opportunities.

3. It reduces the knowledge of the public of thinking from a different point of view.

4. It prevents the right to freedom of expression.

5. It can affect the economy.

6. It is expensive.

7. It is an indirect form of dictatorship by the government.