Intellectual Freedom: Internet Censorship

By Carolyne Begin, Jessica Gorton, Jaki King, Amber Strangstalien.

Our Ethical Dilemma

Kioskia Public Library and Internet filtering

Getting the facts straight

Two Kioskia librarians attempted to watch a Pearl Jam event on the internet during their break.

They were alarmed to discover that the band’s political lyrics had been muted out.

Dismayed, librarian John researched the issue and found that the same media company who owns the telecast were also the libraries digital phone and internet provider.

John considers this “overt censorship” and the library director agrees to make a case to the city board for a changing internet providers.

Our Moral Dilemma As a professional librarian, John was disconcerted to witness censorship of online material.

Intellectual freedom guarantees access to information regardless of the interests of private companies.

Each Sides of the Dilemma

Patron’s point of view Access to information is

important, as stated in the ALA code of ethics (respect for intellectual property)

The content being censored is not offensive. (nonmaleficence)

A public library may be the patron’s only internet access and should not be restricted. (respect for privacy)

Internet Service Provider’s point of view They have different political

views and disagree with the statements presented in the online content. (individual morality)

The provide the service and they feel they should decide what people use it for. (conservation of power)

They may fear offending clients and losing business by allowing all internet content. (Fear)

Testing Our Solution

In accordance with ALA’s Bill of Rights and Code of ethics we determined that the internet provider is misaligned with our standards.

Beginning in November, the Preserving the Open Internet law will take place which states, “fixed broadband providers may not block lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices” (Federal Communications Commission, p. 1).

We feel that as a Public Library we should be committed to “facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity” Canadian Library Association, “Statement on Intellectual Freedom.” http://www.cla.ca/Content/NavigationMenu/Resources/PositionStatements/Statement_on_Intell.htm (accessed September 30, 2011).

References

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=library+in+fall&view=detail&id=312E15CE863DA871AD04CDD3F78D52473BC9BDCD&first=0&FORM=IDFRIRhttp://www.bing.com/images/search?q=political+censorship&view=detail&id=9E2BF31E7CBE6AB4BE6D33B8CFA04C19CC636693&first=0

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All images retrieved October 17, 2011.