Kentucky Internet Casino Case Compared to Chinese Censorship

As has been said many times, if the only free speech you believe in is that which agrees with you, then you don't believe in free speech

Outrage at the online gambling domain name case in Kentucky has led to comparisons to Internet censorship in China by sources as varied as Online Casino Advisory to the Washington Post. Governor Steve Beshear's attempt to seize 141 domain names has aroused groups more concerned with freedom and liberty than the specifics of wagering.

The idea of censorship is a dangerous precedent on the unexplored waters of the Internet. Chad Hills of Focus on the Family has compared the Internet to a public library, and certainly there are no reasonable proponents of library censorship anymore (right, Chad?).

The prospect of trying to control the online flow of information as in China is both daunting and horrifying. China employs a team of Internet police which numbers in the tens of thousands, whose duty is to scour online sites and messages.

These censors use Western software to search for code words, such as "democracy" or "Tiananmen", then focus on reading flagged communications. The sending of an ill-advised e-mail has led to arrest and prison time.

Paul Redmond, a lawyer specializing in free speech, said, "China is trying to control the thoughts of the people. By not allowing the flow of communication, the government believes it can brainwash citizens to the desired path.

"The strongest, most firm principle in American government is free speech. As has been said many times, if the only free speech you believe in is that which agrees with you, then you don't believe in free speech."

While most legal experts expect Kentucky to lose its case, either in next week's decision or upon appeal, the chilling prospect that government could strive for such a Big Brother presence on the Internet reminds voters to never relax their vigilance.