Internet bill prohibits online content disrespecting public officials

[alex cross]

Venezuela tightens Internet regulation

Dec 20 2010 5:49pm EST
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's parliament approved tighter regulation of the Internet on Monday in the latest of a package of laws to entrench President Hugo Chavez's socialist "revolution" before a new Assembly is sworn-in next month.(snip)

The Internet bill approved on Monday prohibits online content attacking "good customs," disrespecting public officials or inciting violence against the president.

Many of Venezuela's lively news forums operate without a moderator or editor filtering out extremist or vulgar content. But the bill has concerned some free speech activists, who have drawn comparisons with how China and Cuba police the Web.

Under the new regulations, all Internet traffic is supposed to pass through a single, government-controlled access point, stoking opposition fears about surveillance and censorship.



Read more: http://www.portfolio.com/business-news/reuters/2010/12/20/venezuela-tightens-internet-regulation#ixzz18hWhAkEB

[msongs]

1. soon to come to the USA now that the admin is selling the net to corporations nt

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. The FCC can not sell what the Gov does not own...the net has always been private property

The Internet is a collection of private networks that operate on an agreed to set of technical standards. It has never been government owned or operated. It is also not a utility and no one has a right to connectivity. It has been the wild wild west since its inception and pretty much self governing. Other nations have been trying to set up international controls and governance for it, but the US has been actively resisting it.

The entire question of if they have the authority also remains unresolved. However, what is about to happen is a step in the right direction.

[NashVegas]

5. Everything Already Has Been Sold

[bemildred]

2. Me! Me! I want to be a paid web monitor! nt

[Creative]

3. "comparisons to China and Cuba..."

This is Chavez's country. Any questions?

:sarcasm:

[Forkboy]

6. I wish people would make up my mind.

When it comes to Obama I'm expected to ignore the mainstream press. When it comes to Chavez I'm expected to buy in all the way.

I'm so confused.

[bemildred]

8. But don't you want to be a paid web monitor?

Who is going to watch the porn sites if we don't step up? People could be out there RIGHT NOW just saying whatever comes into their heads!!! Looking at dirty pictures and reading unauthorized opinions!!! Unauthorized FACTS!!!!

[apocalypsehow]

7. Be very interested to see what defenses will be mounted to justify this. I'm sure there will be some

er, ummm, rather innovative ones.

:popcorn: