Internet freedom at risk?

This blog entry has nothing to do with Linux, but I still wanted to bring this controversial matter to attention, as I believe it will impact us directly.

There are many initiatives already ongoing to try to control the only true free media left in the world: The Internet. Many have already died, unable to complete their purpose, but many more will come. It is almost certain that those in power will not stop until they can manipulate the Internet just like they do with Radio and TV.

We have recently seen examples of this very thing. I guess they ran out of ideas, so 'why not applying the same "war on terror" rationale to the Internet?', they might have thought. The concept is once again very simple: If enough concern and fear is raised, people will approve whatever measure of control and limitation to their own freedom, hoping that such initiative will bring safety "back".

We can see how they are slowly orchestrating this, as put forward by none other than Robert Mueller. You can read the official press conference content HERE.

As usual, a very scary scenario is brought to our attention, one that will surely bring concern. In case the reader is not smart enough, they spoon feed him/her:

"...And it again raises the question of whether a similar attack could happen in Seattle or San Diego, Miami or Manhattan."

Much on the contrary, it raises the question of why these so called terrorists can use such tools to avoid being caught, while US/UN military cannot to avoid civilian casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan (which by the way, count by thousands already). As you can understand, lots of similar questions could be asked.

Of course, I have absolutely nothing against protecting regular people from such attacks, and I would be the first to support such initiatives if they were truly real and done correctly. However, I fear it won't be long before they come up with proposals to limit contents on the internet. They may propose a licensing system, which would allow for controlling who can publish information on the web (paying a fee, of course). I can think of many similar scenarios, and I am sure so can you.

Before we know it, the masses may not only accept cuts on Internet freedom, but they shall be asked to pay for them. Needless to say, this is just a hypothesis, but one that I believe will not differ much from reality, unfortunately.

I really hope I am wrong here, but if I am not, let's all stand against Internet freedom cuts. The Internet should continue to be the amazing free communication media it's become, and not just propaganda in the hands of a few.

As usual, I am looking forward to reading your comments on this subject.

Thanks for reading!