Some think that the Internet should be closely monitored for websites that can incite violence – thereby defying the absolute freedom of expression the Internet offers in places like Canada (not so much in China). This article, The Global Internet Jihad: Web of Terror, suggests we need to think closely about the other purpose of the Internet:
Many of us used to think the Internet would be a powerful force for progress and modernity, shrinking divisions and differences, in the world and uniting educated people everywhere in the quest for more democracy and freedom. But it turns out that far from dissolving the age-old problems of tribalism, identity and belonging, the Internet can exacerbate them. By connecting politically restless young adults with a noble cause, it gives them a powerful new sense of purpose.
Another article in the New York Times suggests the same. The virtual web of terrorism brings regions like Nigeria, Palestine, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia together.
In fact, neither Pakistan nor Yemen nor Afghanistan is the key place for radicalization. These terrorists go there after being radicalized in the West or in a Western environment. And radicalization does not occur in a concrete political praxis with real people but in a solitary experience of a virtual community: the ummah on the Web.
We have known – for a long time – that the Internet has such side effects. Just looks at the number of creepy sites that value school shootings, anorexia, suicide and so on. Should these websites, as well as those by fundamentalist religious groups – Christians, Muslims and so on – be monitored? Does this infringe on the ultimate freedom of the Internet – where its true power for good lies?
