Censorship

Censorship is the suppression, alteration, or prohibition of speech, writing, images, or other forms of communication by an authority, typically to control information or ideas. It can be exercised before publication (prior restraint) or after dissemination (post-publication suppression).

Sources of censorship include governments, religious institutions, private organizations, and broad social norms. It operates through laws, licensing or classification systems, content removals, blocking or filtering of websites, surveillance, intimidation, economic pressure, and self-censorship.

Purposes vary: protecting national security, public order, or moral standards; protecting individuals from hate or harmful content; safeguarding copyright or sensitive information; or maintaining political power.

Types include political censorship intended to suppress dissent; moral censorship addressing sexuality or blasphemy; cultural censorship; corporate censorship through platform moderation; and self-censorship in response to perceived consequences.

History shows censorship in ancient, medieval, and early modern societies, with intensified control in many 20th-century regimes. Democracies increasingly protect freedom of expression through constitutions and courts, while governments continue to regulate content for security, safety, and rights.

Legal and institutional frameworks vary, but many jurisdictions allow some limits on speech for compelling interests and require due process, transparency, and independent oversight.

Contemporary issues include internet censorship, social media moderation, and content takedowns, as well as concerns about misinformation, disinformation, and the chilling effect on journalism and science.

Debates center on balancing rights to freedom of expression with protections against harm, maintaining access to information, and ensuring accountability and transparency for decision makers.