Moral Censorship

Moral censorship is the removal of materials that are obscene or otherwise morally questionable to the censor. Pornography, for example, is often censored under this rationale, especially child pornography, which is naturally censored in most jurisdictions in the world. But there are more not so obvious examples of moral censorship that are harder to justify in a democracy and moral censorship as a tool of social engineering has many doubtful roots in objective utilitarian or liberal democratic morality. Profanity is also censored for this purpose.

- Wikipedia (with a single spelling correction for readability).

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. - U.S. constitution

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. UN Declaration of Human Rights, article 19

Plans to force internet providers to block sites carrying pirated music and films “threaten freedom of speech and the open internet”, the largest internet and telecom companies operating in the UK said. News report on a letter published in the Financial Times on Wednesday, Google, Yahoo, Facebook and Ebay, along with the UK’s largest internet service providers.

It seems it's OK to steal intellectual property, and you can even tell the world about it. According to Google and the rest.

Hasn't the whole censorship of ideas/free speech thing been stretched just too far?

Originally posted by Kewpie
It seems it's OK to steal intellectual property, and you can even tell the world about it.

It is NOT ok to steal intellectual property. It's much better to pay for it when possible. And you should share it only with people you know.

How is sharing intellectual property not stealing? Is it OK to buy a CD, then clone it for each of your family and friends?

Originally posted by Kewpie
How is sharing intellectual property not stealing? Is it OK to buy a CD, then clone it for each of your family and friends?

I lent my copy of Gun Germs & Steel to an Australian friend last week. I get my local bar to play albums of my choosing that I provide. I put an mp3 version of another album I've got on the computer at work so that I can listen to it when I work. Other people listen to it.

Originally posted by Kewpie
Moral censorship is the removal of materials that are obscene or otherwise morally questionable to the censor. Pornography, for example, is often censored under this rationale, especially child pornography, which is naturally censored in most jurisdictions in the world. But there are more not so obvious examples of moral censorship that are harder to justify ...[text shortened]... e rest.

Hasn't the whole censorship of ideas/free speech thing been stretched just too far?

There's a difference between child pornography and other types, children have not yet developed the capability to make informed decisions of this type so they are afforded special protection. Thus viewing, distributing, producing, trading pornography depicting what is an illegal act is rightfully, illegal. This would be the same for scenes of rape or torture.

As for consenting adults (and the occasional reluctant, or not so reluctant dog [or other beast]), there should be no restrictions.

New Zealands freedom of expression is under attack now, with guvamint trying to censor those that deal in tobacco products, not only wanting to censor what is said on these products but also to restrict the use of certain colours , this on top of having guvamint sponsored graffiti already smeared on their products.

Originally posted by Wajoma
There's a difference between child pornography and other types, children have not yet developed the capability to make informed decisions of this type so they are afforded special protection. Thus viewing, distributing, producing, trading pornography depicting what is an illegal act is rightfully, illegal. This would be the same for scenes of rape or torture ...[text shortened]... colours , this on top of having guvamint sponsored graffiti already smeared on their products.

Beasts in New Zealand can give informed consent to having sex? Who knew?

I remember when cigarettes became banned in advertisements, television, and movies. I don't think it had any effect on whether or not kids started smoking.

"Moral censorship" is WRONG! 😠

Originally posted by AThousandYoung
"Moral censorship" is WRONG! 😠

I think that [CENSORED] and that's what I think! 😠

Originally posted by FMF
I lent my copy of Gun Germs & Steel to an Australian friend last week. I get my local bar to play albums of my choosing that I provide. I put an mp3 version of another album I've got on the computer at work so that I can listen to it when I work. Other people listen to it.

I bet your work pals are getting fed up with hearing " Cheggers plays pop " constantly..
I bet you don't go down to well at the bar when you keep playing the "Birdie song " either !!😛😛😛