The Virtual Revolution: 2 - Enemy of the State?

My comments on episode two of The Virtual Revolution, Enemy of the State

Author: Matthew Wittering | Published: 20th February 2010

On Saturday the 6th of February Enemy of the State the second episode of The Virtual Revolution was aired on BBC Two. The episode starts with recounting how Twitter became a critical component in Iranian riots in July 2009. This included an interview with @oxfordgirl on how she resent Twitter messages about the ongoing riots. This was a powerful and interesting documentary which looks at both the power of the Internet and how it is being increasingly policed by governments across the globe.

When you study the Internet at any length you must focus on how it gives users the opportunity to promote their agendas and how governments seek to control the Internet so it conforms to legislation. Internet law is always problematic as the World Wide Web advances at such a pace it is impossible to catch up and reflect behaviour in law. Typically these laws are constructed to support big industries by propping up failing existing models of business which have been out paced by the vibrant digital world. This failure is the result of applying physical world laws and concepts to this divergent world build from bits rather than bricks and mortar.

The challenge and problem is the policing of the Internet. To protect the State and the status quo is a matter of balance. Too strict and you oppress. Too relaxed and it will provide incentives for Cyber Bulkanization attracting the impressionable to dark and hateful causes. These could and does become the catalyst for radicalised behaviour which can result in terrorism. Examples in the film are present detailing how young Muslim men where coached to enact the London bombings on the 7th July 2005. The fragmentation felt through the bulkanization of men and women is the most depressing use of the Internet and perversion of the original Libertarian believes which founded early Internet communities.

I believe that the greatest threat to the electorate are the controls used to modify the natural flow of the information on the Internet. I find banning of content an extreme Orwellian Ministry of Truth method which holds no worth. The question that I believe needs to be answered looks at the relationship between freedom of speech and sedition. Does the former preclude the other? Are bloggers free to write commentaries on misguided or wrong policies made by Governments free from repercussions? Does listening to programmes such as No Agenda place me at an increased risk of being classified as an enemy of the state as I hold opposing views in an increasingly politicised country?

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A brief introduction

Matthew Wittering I am a graduate of Lougborough University where I read Computing and Management BSc (Hons) earning a 2:1 classification.

Currently I am working in the Product Team as a Junior Product Manager at Ask Jeeves UK. Continue