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Enemy of the State?

The importance of the Internet is growing steadily over the years, serving as a tool of both commerce and exchange. 

At the same time however, this flux of cyber technology is also checked by what it may engender politically. 

In Asia, there exists a thread of inconsistent practice: on one hand the governments seem to embrace the Internet and on the other, they try to curtail it in some form.  

How does one explain this trend? Why is the Internet viewed as an enemy? 

Some suggestions include:

1.      Security and defense issues

For example, it is possible to shift the physical battle space to the virtual world of cyberspace, fought by teams of highly skilled computer experts. And also the possibility of sabotage by means of computer viruses.

www.infowar.com

2.      Loss of political power

People become less susceptible to one version of official news as the Internet provides various alternative sources: state's relationship with people more tenuous.

3.      Technologically disadvantaged  

Asia's insecurity is due to its relative backwardness in information technology viz the western world. This shortcoming can be remedied by raising educational levels. However, this move would be sowing the seed of subversion since the more educated a workforce becomes, the higher the chances of nationwide rebellions.

 

4.    Unreliability of the Net

The Web is sometimes seen as a breeding ground for irresponsible acts, with rumour mongers, anonymous figures and people with false identities roaming around. 

Thus, government officials seldom take part in online discussion forums as serious discussions may be maimed by mischievous persons. The Net is also filled with undesirable materials such as pornography, hate groups, etc. The Singapore government holds such views of the Net.

 

Measures Taken

Thus governments have taken step to control the Internet. 

They can do so by controlling the Internet Service Providers, stopping access to sites that will subvert the government and/or affect the fundings of certain sites and/or introduce legislation that will not be in favour of such sites.