Online censorship varies betweens countries. For example, the difference between censorship in America and China is vastly different. If someone in China tries to google controversial issues such as "democracy movement", “page cannot be displayed” comes up as the result. Because of the communism that rules China, citizens are limited to voicing or even researching opinions on the internet. Hacktivists are working to develop software which beats China’s imposing firewall. While North Korea just bans internet usage completely, China actually encourages usage, but censors any opposition to their communist regime. Stories about pro-independence movements in Tibet are completely banned in China. Even hacktivists working in the US are at risk when trying to work against the Chinese firewall. A man living outside Atlanta was beaten and robbed by Chinese men.
Google had created a censored Chinese search engine for use in China, but shut them down in 2010. Google provided its censored search engine because its “most ethical option was to offer some services—albeit restricted by China’s censors—to the enormous Chinese market, rather than leave millions of Internet users with limited access to information.” However, in 2010, Google shut down its engines due to a cyber security attack. Google, along with many other companies that do business abroad, are faced with a moral dilemma; American companies must follow local laws, even some that restrict freedom of speech.
Censorship in China is an extreme case, however. Decisions can become more difficult when deciding whether to censor things like hate speech and terrorist ideas. I think that while “Freedom of Speech” allows for the spread of ideas and ability to express opinions without fear, there has to be a line drawn for the safety of the public. I think that it is ethical for companies to remove information broadcasted by terrorist organizations because it cultivates violence. Likewise, I also believe it is ethical to remove hateful content from the internet because it harms the vulnerable. However, I do not think it is ethical for companies to remove information that does not promote or share their interests and political beliefs. America was built upon diversity, which in turn brings about differences in beliefs, ideas, and perspectives. Although a company may not agree with certain ideas, they should not be allowed to remove content just because it doesn’t share these beliefs. Companies, especially in America, must juggle the first amendment and safety of its citizens. For example, it is illegal to scream "fire" in a movie theatre because it causes harm to people. Yes, it is ok to post your political support to candidates on Facebook, but I do not think it is acceptable to violently threaten certain groups of people who do not agree with your views. Overall, I think that opinions should be allowed on the internet but not when they could potentially harm others.