Censorship And The Internet The freedom of speech that was possible on the Internet could now be subjected to governmental approvals. For example,China is attempting to restrict political expression, in the name ofsecurity and social stability. It requires users of the Internet an delectronic mail (e-mail) to register, so that it may monitor theiractivities.9 In the United Kingdom, state secrets and personal attacks areoff limits on the Internet. Laws are strict and the government isextremely interested in regulating the Intern et with respect to theseissues.10 Laws intended for other types of communication will notnecessarily apply in this medium. Through all the components of theInternet it becomes easy to transfer material that particular governmentsmight find objectionable. However, all of these means of communicating onthe Internet make up a large and vast system. For inspectors to monitorevery e-mail, every article in every Newsgroup, every Webpage, every IRCchannel, every Gopher site and every FTP site would be near impossible.Besides taking an ext raordinary amount of money and time, attempts tocensor the Internet violate freedom of speech rights that are included indemocratic constitutions and international laws.11 It would be a breach ofthe First Amendment. The Constitution of the United Stat es of Americadeclares that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment ofreligion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging thefreedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceablyto assemble, and to petition the Government for a redr ess of grievances"12 Therefore it would be unconstitutional for any sort of censorship to occuron the Internet and affiliated services. Despite the illegality,restrictions on Internet access and content are increasing worldwide underall forms of government. In France, a co untry where the press generallyhas a large amount of freedom, the Internet has recently...