Lecture reflection 2017/05/09

                                                           Censorship  (Filtering)

We generally have digital freedom of expression in South Africa, but with this freedom comes responsibility. To give an example of somebody that was irresponsible, the Hout Bay resident, Vanessa Hartley made racial slurs on Facebook. She commented that too many “black” people are flocking to Hout Bay beach. Our constitution allows one freedom of expression, but not at the expense of others. Vanessa Hartley clearly had a backwards opinion that belonged in the heyday of Apartheid. She was severely criticised on social media for her comments and her Facebook page removed. Clearly social media is a dangerous tool “at the fingertips” of somebody like her and people like her needs to be censored.

In 2006 the government started censoring sites displaying explicit sexual material, it included violent sexual acts and child pornography. Online media in South Africa is currently regulated under the Films and Publications Act of 1996 as amended. This law is currently under review and is about to be amended. The current Bill states that individuals that distribute pornographic material without the consent of the individual appearing in the material, are guilty of a crime. This individual will be convicted or fine (R150 000 max) or a maximum of 2 years sentence.

On this  aspect of the law, I would agree that censorship is necessary.  But I’m also concerned that the Bill will curb my freedom. There are many, like the “right to know” lobby group. They oppose this Bill if it would come into effect. This lobby group primarily focuses on corruption in government, their fear is that certain individuals will use the law to prevent exposing themselves or their corrupt activities. In our current climate (politically speaking), the Bill needs to be debated on before being implemented, this is too expose any loopholes that certain individulas might exploit. But censorship remains a contentious issue. I have included a YouTube link, it is a debate competition on censorship. 

 https://youtu.be/zpKkJJVCRa8