Why Content is Censored

In looking at the censored content in Europe (Nazi and child pornography as examples), the aim of censorship in the European Union is the preservation of perceived cultural norms as outlined by the European government. For much of the content, the European nation has devised somewhat of a rubric by which one must adhere to keep public order and national security. Although many might look at Europe’s censorship and compare it to that of China, on the basis that both regions are attempting to protect what they stand for through filtering content, the European government would argue that the content they filter is considered offensive globally.

The goal that much of the current censorship legislation enacted in the European Union is moving to is the preservation of freedom in regards to the internet. Many policies reflect the widely held idea that regimes that severely control what content their citizens can view online are destructive and therefore the European Union does not aim to restrict much of its content.

As might be apparent, the reasoning behind the filtering of content in the European Union is changing due to changes globally. With the growth of censorship throughout the world, the EU is now striving to differentiate itself and its stance on Internet censorship. Many argue that this direction proves perplexing, as the European continues to enact new controls on what can be viewed on the internet, but proclaims that internet freedom is vital. The confusion caused is expressed in one E-business head’s comment that, “It is adding another layer of regulation on what companies already face. Inevitably they will be saying ‘to what extent does this contradict that EU directive? To what extent does it override it?’”