The entire issue about Shiv Sena calling for a ban on Orkut and some anti-Sena, anti-Shivaji communities got some scathing and well-worded reaction from our readers.
We reported in our story how Shiv Sena had first called for a ban on Google's social networking site, Orkut, but more recently, has asked the Mumbai police to ask Orkut/ Google to block the offending communities instead. We also raised two questions in our report: (a) if banning Orkut or perhaps some communities is a curb on our freedom of speech and expression and if (b) that very freedom of expression translated into hate sites and hate communities. While the unanimous voice of the readers is NOT to ban Orkut, users do feel that Google should introduce some sort of moderation on the content that is put up on Orkut.
Imtiaz rightly pointed out how "the reach of a misplaced comment on a board is immense in today's Internet world" and reminded that "with great power, comes great responsibility". He adds, "There is a fine line between freedom of expression and abusing that freedom. The Shiv Sena has a point, what they're saying is valid in a certain context. The 'non-shining' India – close to 70 per cent or more – is not happy about some empowered 'haves' maligning their heroes. Come to think of it: What is so different about the two forms of expression? Orkut communities maligning national movements, parties or heroes are AS terrorist in nature as the Shiv Sena ransacking cyber cafes. So who decides who is right and who is wrong?"
Zaheer agrees and adds that a ban is akin to anarchy, "The idea behind the Internet and web 2.0 (community oriented sites) is giving people the freedom to express themselves. Every person has the right to express his/her likes, dislikes, desires, preferences and perspectives. Creating controls over them is a form of anarchism and can destroy the very fabric of the Internet's power. That said, it's also true that like every other freedom, this can also be misused."
Zoolander, however, takes the discussion to another level and mentions how anti-Shivaji communities should not be the only ones to be looked at. "There are many 'Hate India' communities too. Steps should be taken to first remove/block those communities and then come to your (Shiv Sena) own leaders. More than that, we have lot of things to do before that. Be civilized and work towards the growth of India. Leave the silly things behind," is what he says. Shri too mentions the 'other' hate communities on Orkut and says, "Instead of banning Orkut, we should ban some of the communites and not allow communities to be created on certain issues. Why just Thackeray? There are communities where they have written bad things about India as well as Mahatma Gandhi too."
Karishma, however, feels differently and questions the entire 'ban' angle. "Does freedom of speech still exist? Aren't we entitled to our own opinions? Orkut is a social utility tool that helps people who think alike interact with each other; that may be anything from economics to hating the Shiv Sena. What may be right by me may be wrong by someone else and vice versa. Who are they (Shiv Sena) to decide? Things like these just makes us Indians look stupid and uneducated and hence puts India in a bad light. They need to come out of their bubble and look at the bigger picture."
On the question of whether preventive measures can be taken, Imtiaz adds, "What is required is a method to censor the views that anyone posts. I guess till such time as Google devises a method to edit and moderate sensitive forums I think it is better to boycott it and not ignite passions. I am an IT person and I know how to block access at the network level to any objectionable content. What's required is not just self-control, but also a little bit of 'ear to the ground'. Progress is not individualistic, it is important to surge forward as a whole and that can only happen when the 'haves' become really interested in progress..." Zaheer adds, "A system for quick justice in all issues related to the misuse of the Internet should be established so that the net becomes a safer place for all users." Ajit sums it all up in one line: "Ban Orkut! Ban books! Ban movies! Ban media! Now what, ban freedom?"
And yet, while decisions are awaited in Mumbai, fresh community-news pouring in, spells more trouble for the site. News reports now say that certain designated-terrorist and government-banned outfits like the ULFA are using Orkut for promoting their views and agendas. Freedom of speech, anyone?
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