What is the fundamental definition of censorship?

Censorship is defined as the suppression of speech, public communication, or other information that is considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient. This suppression can be enacted by governments or private institutions.

Who can engage in censorship, and what is self-censorship?

Censorship can be carried out by governments and private institutions. When an individual, such as an author or creator, suppresses their own work or speech, it is referred to as self-censorship.

What are the various forms of media that can be subjected to censorship?

Censorship can affect a wide range of media, including speech, books, music, films, and other arts, as well as the press, radio, television, and the internet.

What are the common reasons cited for implementing censorship?

Reasons for censorship often include maintaining national security, controlling obscenity, pornography, and hate speech, protecting children or other vulnerable groups, promoting or restricting political or religious views, and preventing slander and libel.

How did censorship relate to Socrates in ancient Athens?

Socrates faced charges from the Athenian state that led to his death, stemming from his defiance of attempts to censor his philosophical teachings. He was found guilty of corrupting the youth and impiety.

What historical event marked the first legal abolition of censorship?

Sweden became the first country to abolish censorship by law in 1766, signifying an early move towards greater freedom of expression.

What is the criticism leveled against censorship regarding its effectiveness?

A criticism of censorship is that it is counterproductive because it prevents the censored topic from being discussed. Proponents of free speech argue that those who censor should welcome the opportunity to disprove opposing views if they are confident in their own correctness.

How has E. M. Forster commented on the rationale for censoring material based on obscenity or morality?

E. M. Forster opposed censoring material for obscenity or immorality, highlighting the subjectivity of moral values and how they change over time. He questioned the legal definition of obscenity, noting that while the law claims obscenity can deprave and corrupt, it offers no clear definition for these terms.

What are the primary rationales used to justify different types of censorship?

Censorship is justified through several rationales: moral censorship removes obscene or questionable material; military censorship protects intelligence and tactics; political censorship controls populations and prevents dissent; religious censorship removes material deemed objectionable by a religion; and corporate censorship prevents negative portrayals of businesses or partners.

What is political censorship, and how do governments implement it?

Political censorship involves suppressing political opinions that violate freedom of speech, press, or assembly. Governments may conceal, fake, distort, or falsify information, enforce media bias, or use bribery, defamation, imprisonment, and assassination to control the narrative and prevent dissent.

How is censorship applied in wartime contexts?

In wartime, censorship is explicitly used to prevent the release of information that could aid the enemy, such as operational details or timings. This is often justified by the argument that releasing such tactical information poses a greater risk to one's own forces and the overall conflict.

What was the purpose of censoring soldiers' letters during World War I?

During World War I, letters written by British soldiers were censored by officers who used black markers to cross out any information that might compromise operational secrecy before the letters were sent to their recipients.

What is 'sanitization' in the context of censorship, and what is a historical example?

'Sanitization' refers to the alteration of historical records, often photographs, to remove individuals or information deemed undesirable by an authority. A notable example is the alteration of photographs in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin to remove purged individuals from public memory.

What is religious censorship, and what are some historical examples?

Religious censorship controls or limits freedom of expression based on religious authority or doctrine. Historical examples include the Galileo affair, the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (a list of prohibited books), and the condemnation of Salman Rushdie's novel 'The Satanic Verses'.

How can educational sources be subject to censorship, particularly concerning historical events?

Educational sources, especially textbooks, can be subject to censorship through whitewashing or biased presentations of history. This is controversial when dealing with events like the Holocaust, the Nanking Massacre, or the Tiananmen Square protests, where certain perspectives might be downplayed or omitted to present a more favorable national narrative.

What is 'economic induced censorship'?

Economic induced censorship occurs when market forces favor or disregard certain types of information, often by privatizing and commodifying information, making it inaccessible due to cost. This can limit public access to valuable data like academic journals or industry reports.

What is self-censorship, and who commonly practices it?

Self-censorship is the act of censoring one's own discourse out of fear or deference to the perceived preferences of others, without direct external pressure. It is commonly practiced by creators in various fields, including film producers, journalists, musicians, and authors.

What did a Pew Research Center and Columbia Journalism Review survey reveal about journalists' practices?

A survey indicated that about a quarter of journalists admitted to purposely avoiding newsworthy stories, and nearly as many acknowledged softening the tone of stories to benefit their news organizations, suggesting a prevalence of self-censorship or organizational pressure.

What is 'reverse censorship'?

Reverse censorship, as described by Tim Wu, involves distorting or drowning out disfavored speech by disseminating fake news, paying commentators, or using propaganda bots, often through online social networks.

What is 'soft censorship' or indirect censorship?

Soft censorship involves influencing news coverage indirectly, typically through financial pressure on media outlets that are critical of a government, or by rewarding those perceived as friendly to the government.

What constitutes 'financial censorship'?

Financial censorship occurs when financial institutions or payment intermediaries de-bank accounts or inhibit transactions, thereby influencing what kind of speech can exist online. Examples include actions taken against WikiLeaks by Visa and Mastercard.

How can films be censored beyond obscenity or political correctness?

Films can be censored due to evolving racial attitudes or political correctness, aiming to avoid ethnic stereotyping or offense, even if the content has historical or artistic value. An example is the 'Censored Eleven' cartoons, which are now considered problematic.

What is the nature of music censorship?

Music censorship has been implemented by various entities like states, religions, educational systems, families, and retailers, often violating international human rights conventions.

For what reasons are maps sometimes subject to censorship?

Maps are often censored for military purposes, such as in former East Germany to hinder defections near the border. Google Maps also employs censorship by graying out or blacking out certain areas or using outdated imagery.

How does censorship affect art, and what is an example of art being banned?

Art can be censored due to its evocative power, and attempts to destroy or oppress it can sometimes amplify its meaning. For instance, artworks using the colors of the Palestinian flag were banned by Israeli law in the 1980s, leading to arrests for displaying such art or even sliced melons with similar patterns.

What is the relationship between surveillance and censorship?

While surveillance can occur without censorship, it is difficult to implement censorship effectively without some form of surveillance. Furthermore, the knowledge or belief of being under surveillance can lead to self-censorship, creating a 'chilling effect' on expression.

Describe the censorship apparatus in the former Soviet Union.

The Soviet Union maintained an extensive state censorship program primarily managed by the 'Glavlit' (Chief Agency for Protection of Military and State Secrets). Glavlit personnel were present in all major publishing houses and media outlets, employing 70,000 censors to review all forms of mass media before dissemination.

What is 'privishing' in the context of book publishing?

'Privishing' is a practice where a publisher, under pressure to suppress a book but contractually obligated to the author, effectively censors it by ordering a small print run and making minimal efforts to publicize it.

How do organizations like Freedom House and Reporters Without Borders measure censorship?

Organizations like Freedom House (with its 'Freedom of the Press' report) and Reporters Without Borders (with its 'Press Freedom Index') provide metrics to assess censorship and press freedom globally. Other indices, such as the V-Dem government censorship effort index and OpenNet Initiative classifications, also contribute to this measurement.

What is the nature of censorship in Belgium regarding far-right politicians?

In French-speaking Belgium, politicians considered far-right are reportedly banned from live media appearances, such as interviews or debates, indicating a form of political censorship within the media landscape.

What is generally censored in Canada under obscenity laws?

In Canada, obscenity, as defined by the landmark 'R v Butler' case, is generally limited to pornography and child pornography that depicts or advocates non-consensual sex, sexual violence, degradation, or dehumanization, particularly when it causes harm.

How does China implement internet censorship, and what is the 'Golden Shield Project'?

The People's Republic of China employs sophisticated censorship mechanisms, notably the 'Golden Shield Project,' to monitor the internet. Popular search engines like Baidu also actively remove politically sensitive search results.

What was a common method of censorship in the Eastern Bloc countries?

Strict censorship was prevalent in the Eastern Bloc, with ministries of culture and party-approved censors exercising tight control over writers and cultural products, ensuring they aligned with state propaganda needs. Even weather forecasts were altered if they suggested unfavorable conditions for state events.

What specific types of content are restricted by the Information Technology Rules 2011 in India?

In India, the Information Technology Rules 2011 define objectionable content as anything that 'threatens the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India, friendly relations with foreign states or public order,' reflecting a focus on national harmony and stability.

How did the GHQ occupation of Japan after World War II involve censorship?

During the GHQ occupation of Japan, censorship was extensive, covering any criticism of Allied policies, the SCAP, or references to the Allied role in drafting the constitution. This also included purges and media blackouts to control information flow.

What specific words are penalized for non-Muslims in Malaysia under Penang's Islamic Religious Administration Enactment?

Under Penang's Islamic Religious Administration Enactment 2004, non-Muslims face penalties for using specific words, including 'Allah,' 'Firman Allah,' 'Ulama,' 'Hadith,' and many others related to Islamic terminology and practices, in any form of publicity.

What is the significance of Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code?

Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code criminalizes the 'Insult of the President of Turkey,' with potential prison sentences ranging from one to four years, and even higher if the violation occurs publicly. Prosecutions under this article often target critics, journalists, and cartoonists.

How did the British government censor media related to Irish republican and loyalist groups between 1988 and 1994?

From 1988 to 1994, the British government prohibited UK media from broadcasting the voices, though not the words, of Sinn Féin and ten other Irish republican and Ulster loyalist groups, a measure aimed at controlling political messaging.

What is the general approach to censorship by the US government versus state/local governments?

In the United States, most censorship is self-imposed rather than government-enforced. While the federal government does not routinely censor, state and local governments frequently restrict content in libraries and public schools, and obscenity laws can prohibit the distribution of certain materials.

What has a 2024 Indiana University study found regarding censorship in American schools?

A 2024 study by Indiana University found that 16 Republican-dominated states have enacted policies restricting the teaching of critical perspectives on race and sexuality, aiming to promote a more positive view of U.S. history.

What happened to Eduardo Galeano's book 'Open Veins of Latin America' during Uruguay's military coup?

During Uruguay's 1973 military coup, Eduardo Galeano's book 'Open Veins of Latin America' was banned not only in Uruguay but also in Chile and Argentina, reflecting the political censorship imposed by the right-wing military governments in those countries.

What is the 'chilling effect' in relation to surveillance and censorship?

The 'chilling effect' refers to the phenomenon where widespread knowledge or belief that one's communications or online activities are under surveillance can lead individuals to self-censor their speech or expression, thereby stifling open discourse.

What role does the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) play in internet censorship?

ICANN administers the widely used DNS root, giving it the authority to shut down and seize domain names when deemed necessary, often at the direction of governments. This control facilitates internet censorship by allowing authorities to influence what content is accessible online.

What did John Gilmore, a founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, say about the internet and censorship in 1993?

In 1993, John Gilmore stated that 'The Net interprets censorship as damage and routes around it,' suggesting the internet's inherent resilience against censorship attempts due to its distributed nature.

What did a 2011 UNESCO report conclude about the feasibility of internet censorship?

A 2011 UNESCO report concluded that controlling information on the internet and the web is feasible, and that technological advancements do not inherently guarantee greater freedom of speech, challenging earlier optimistic views.

How did social media contribute to the Arab Spring uprisings, and what was a governmental response?

Social media played a significant role in organizing protests during the Arab Spring uprisings starting in 2010. In response, the Tunisian government reportedly hacked citizens' Facebook accounts and deleted them, attempting to curb the use of social media for political organization.

What did Gary King's study reveal about social media censorship in China?

Gary King's study found that social media posts in China were more likely to be censored if they mentioned collective action, rather than based on whether the content was supportive or critical of the government. The primary goal appeared to be preventing large-scale actions stemming from online discussions.

What is 'shadow banning' as practiced on platforms like TikTok?

Shadow banning on platforms like TikTok involves categorizing certain hashtags or content in a way that limits viewer interaction or visibility, often affecting content related to social movements or LGBTQ+ identity, potentially leading to increased censorship.

What is the argument for and against legislative oversight of video games?

Advocates argue video games are an expressive medium protected by free speech laws, while detractors contend they are harmful and should be subject to legislative oversight and restrictions. Many games feature edited elements due to regional rating standards.

What was the 'Censored Eleven' in the context of film censorship?

The 'Censored Eleven' refers to a series of animated cartoons from the early 20th century that were withdrawn from circulation due to racial stereotypes, illustrating how films can be censored based on changing social attitudes and political correctness.

What is the 'Streisand effect' in relation to censorship?

The Streisand effect describes the phenomenon where attempts to suppress information, such as through censorship, inadvertently lead to increased public awareness and dissemination of that information.

Censorship Wiki: The Architecture of Silence: A Comprehensive Analysis of Censorship

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Defining Censorship

Suppression of Information

Censorship fundamentally involves the suppression of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient. This practice can be enacted by governmental bodies or private institutions, and also includes self-censorship, where individuals or creators restrict their own expression.

Motivations and Scope

The rationales for censorship are varied, often cited as national security, controlling obscenity and pornography, protecting vulnerable groups (like children), promoting or restricting political or religious viewpoints, and preventing defamation or libel. Its reach extends across numerous media, including literature, film, music, the press, broadcast, and the internet.

Global Context

Specific regulations and practices surrounding censorship differ significantly across legal jurisdictions and organizational frameworks worldwide, reflecting diverse cultural, political, and social values.

Historical Precedents

Ancient Roots

The practice of controlling expression dates back to antiquity. Socrates faced charges and ultimately execution by the Athenian state for his philosophical teachings, a case documented by Plato, who himself advocated for certain forms of censorship. In contrast, the Greek playwright Euripides championed free speech.

Early Legal Frameworks

Historically, censorship has been a tool used by authorities to maintain social order and political control. Notably, Sweden became the first nation to abolish censorship by law in 1766, marking a significant early step towards freedom of expression.

Justifications and Critiques

Counterproductive Nature

Critics argue that censorship is inherently counterproductive, as it prevents the open discussion and examination of censored topics. As social commentator Michael Landier posited, censorship implies that those imposing it believe themselves correct, yet by preventing debate, they deny the opportunity to disprove opposing views, thereby hindering intellectual progress.

Moral Subjectivity

The imposition of moral values through censorship, particularly concerning obscenity, raises questions of subjectivity. E.M. Forster highlighted the difficulty in defining moral corruption, noting that legal definitions of obscenity often lack clarity, making censorship based on moral grounds inherently debatable and prone to shifting societal standards.

Categorizing Censorship

Moral Censorship

This involves the removal of materials considered obscene, immoral, or offensive to societal standards. Child pornography is a prominent example, universally condemned and illegal in most jurisdictions due to its inherent harm.

Military Censorship

Implemented to protect national security, this type focuses on withholding sensitive military intelligence, tactics, and operational details from adversaries. The rationale is to prevent compromising operations and potentially losing conflicts.

Political Censorship

Governments utilize this to control information, suppress dissent, and maintain power. It can involve falsifying, distorting, or concealing information to shape public opinion, often supported by media bias, bribery, or even more severe measures.

Religious Censorship

Driven by religious authority, this type restricts content deemed contrary to religious doctrines or beliefs. It can manifest as the suppression of works from other religions or the enforcement of specific religious interpretations.

Corporate Censorship

Private entities may engage in censorship to protect their business interests, partners, or public image. This can involve intervening in the publishing of information that portrays them negatively or preventing alternative viewpoints from reaching public awareness.

Mechanisms of Control

Political and Social Control

Political censorship aims to maintain governmental control by manipulating information flow, often through media bias, suppression of opposition, and the use of propaganda. Social control mechanisms include enforcing moral or religious standards, sometimes leading to the banning of specific content or the creation of "opinion corridors."

Media-Specific Tactics

Censorship manifests differently across media. Books may face outright bans or local challenges. Films can be edited for content deemed inappropriate for regional standards or societal sensitivities. Music censorship targets lyrics or themes considered objectionable. Maps are often censored for military or strategic reasons, while art can be suppressed for its political or social commentary.

Digital Age Challenges

The internet presents unique censorship challenges. Governments employ technical methods like site blocking and content filtering, while also leveraging social media platforms for automated content moderation and the dissemination of disinformation ("reverse censorship"). Financial censorship, through de-platforming or transaction inhibition, also emerges as a significant tool.

Societal Ramifications

Hindering Progress and Discourse

Censorship can stifle intellectual development, limit public discourse, and impede societal progress by preventing the free exchange of ideas. It can create echo chambers and prevent critical examination of established norms or governmental actions.

The Chilling Effect of Surveillance

While distinct from censorship, surveillance often facilitates it. The mere knowledge or belief of being monitored can lead to self-censorship, as individuals modify their behavior and expression to avoid scrutiny, thereby limiting open communication.

Cultural and Artistic Suppression

Art, literature, and film are frequently targets of censorship due to their potential to challenge norms or convey potent messages. Historical examples, such as the suppression of Palestinian art or the Nazi "Degenerate Art Exhibition," illustrate the profound impact censorship can have on cultural expression and historical memory.

Mechanisms of Enforcement

State Apparatus: The Soviet Model

Historically, states have employed vast bureaucratic apparatuses for censorship. The Soviet Union's Glavlit, employing tens of thousands of censors, meticulously controlled all forms of media, from official publications to everyday items, demonstrating the potential for pervasive state control over information.

Privishing and Subtle Suppression

Beyond overt bans, censorship can be enacted subtly. "Privishing," for instance, involves deliberately limiting the print run and promotion of a book to suppress its dissemination without an explicit ban. This tactic highlights how economic or market pressures can function as censorship mechanisms.

Digital Enforcement

In the contemporary digital landscape, censorship is often implemented through technological means. This includes sophisticated internet filtering, website blocking, social media content moderation, and the manipulation of domain name systems, often requiring significant state resources to maintain effectiveness.

Global Manifestations

China: The Great Firewall

The People's Republic of China exemplifies sophisticated internet censorship through its "Golden Shield Project." This system employs extensive filtering and monitoring, impacting search engines and social media platforms to control information access and suppress politically sensitive content.

Russia: Legal Restrictions

Modern Russia utilizes stringent laws, such as those penalizing "fake news" regarding military operations, to enforce censorship. Regulatory bodies like Roskomnadzor actively block content and pressure media outlets to adhere to state-sanctioned narratives, impacting independent journalism.

United States: Self-Imposed and Localized Controls

While the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, censorship often occurs through self-regulation, corporate policies, and localized restrictions in public schools and libraries. Debates over curriculum content and the influence of campaign finance laws also highlight areas where speech is indirectly managed.

Singapore: Regulated Media Landscape

Singapore employs strict media regulations, including laws against "party political films" and controls over online content. While exceptions exist, the framework allows for significant state influence over public discourse and artistic expression.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Censorship" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about censorship while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

foreign commonwealth and development office

exploitation of labour

spring city tennessee

vyborg–petrozavodsk offensive

temple of castor and pollux

References

"Socrates (Greek philosopher)". EncyclopÃ¦dia Britannica. Retrieved September 12, 2013.

Eberhard Demm, Censorship and Propaganda in World War I: A Comprehensive History (Bloomsbury Academic, 2019) online review

"Self Censorship: How Often and Why". Pew Research Center.

"Cerf sees government control of Internet failing", Pedro Fonseca, Reuters, 14 November 2007

"BBC Internet Poll: Detailed Findings", BBC World Service, 8 March 2010

"Internet access is 'a fundamental right'", BBC News, 8 March 2010

"Censorship is inseparable from surveillance", Cory Doctorow, The Guardian, 2 March 2012

"2012 Freedom of the Press Data", Freedom House, 1 May 2012

A full list of references for this article are available at the Censorship Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document was generated by an Artificial Intelligence for educational and informational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the content may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information presented here does not constitute legal, political, or media consultation. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and expert analysis for a thorough understanding of the complex issues surrounding censorship.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

The Architecture of Silence

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining Censorship 🚫

🤫 Suppression of Information

⚖️ Motivations and Scope

🌐 Global Context

Historical Precedents ⏳

🏛️ Ancient Roots

📜 Early Legal Frameworks

Justifications and Critiques 🤔

🔄 Counterproductive Nature

🎭 Moral Subjectivity

Categorizing Censorship 🗂️

😇 Moral Censorship

🛡️ Military Censorship

🚩 Political Censorship

⛪ Religious Censorship

🏢 Corporate Censorship

Mechanisms of Control ⚙️

📢 Political and Social Control

📰 Media-Specific Tactics

💻 Digital Age Challenges

Societal Ramifications 💥

📉 Hindering Progress and Discourse

👁️ The Chilling Effect of Surveillance

🎭 Cultural and Artistic Suppression

Mechanisms of Enforcement 🔒

🇷🇺 State Apparatus: The Soviet Model

📚 Privishing and Subtle Suppression

💻 Digital Enforcement

Global Manifestations 🌍

🇨🇳 China: The Great Firewall

🇷🇺 Russia: Legal Restrictions

🇺🇸 United States: Self-Imposed and Localized Controls

🇸🇬 Singapore: Regulated Media Landscape

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Censorship

Suppression of Information

Motivations and Scope

Global Context

Historical Precedents

Ancient Roots

Early Legal Frameworks

Justifications and Critiques

Counterproductive Nature

Moral Subjectivity

Categorizing Censorship

Moral Censorship

Military Censorship

Political Censorship

Religious Censorship

Corporate Censorship

Mechanisms of Control

Political and Social Control

Media-Specific Tactics

Digital Age Challenges

Societal Ramifications

Hindering Progress and Discourse

The Chilling Effect of Surveillance

Cultural and Artistic Suppression

Mechanisms of Enforcement

State Apparatus: The Soviet Model

Privishing and Subtle Suppression

Digital Enforcement

Global Manifestations

China: The Great Firewall

Russia: Legal Restrictions

United States: Self-Imposed and Localized Controls

Singapore: Regulated Media Landscape

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice