Threats posed by internet - paranoia or reality?
Do these 'threats' outweigh the advantages to society?

The recent bombing of a Federal building in Oklahoma not only raised the awareness of the American people to the presence of home-grown extremists groups in their own country, but fingers of blame have pointed at the ready availability of extremist propaganda on the air waves and also on the internet. More ominously, many have pointed out that publicly banned publications on the instruction of terrorist tactics, and the making of simple explosive devices can be found in an electronic form on the internet. Also, there were suggestions that communications between commanders of these militia groups were conducted freely and activities were co-ordinated using this new technology.

Surely, the availability of the communication capability of this nature to militants and fanatics must worry governments of any country in the world. It may be argued that the presence of instructions does not in itself form a significant threat as the instructions generally require a certain level of scientific understanding and technical competence and that information of these nature are not easily accessible; it would take some considerable effort in locating them in the first place. The argument presumes that the more well educated a person is, he/she is less likely to pursue or resort to a violent form of expression. However, this is shattered by the recent gas poisoning incidents in Japan. Apparently, among the members of the religious cult that is implicated in the incidents number scientists and technicians competent enough to manufacture poisons. In an increasingly technologically advanced society like Singapore, is the threat any less pressing? Should we put the blame on the provision of such information?

However, we should be careful not to throw out the baby with the bath water. As I have already mentioned, the internet is an integral part of research for many research scientists for many diverse fields. The internet made it possible for data and publications to be disseminated almost instantaneously to all 'corners' of the globe. For many historians and classicists, the efforts of important libraries like that of Bodleian library at Oxford to put online images of valuable and rare manuscripts must surely be enthusiastically welcomed. Are the advantages of unfettered communication to the academia sufficient to outweigh the risk of the presence of subversive or prohibited materials?

On a more personal level, at what price do we value the freedom of expression and the empowerment of individuals to reach out to other individuals across continents? Finally, how do you see the internet 'work' for Singapore and what place has it in the every day life of Singaporeans?

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