In China, the problem is that with the system of censorship that's now in place, the user doesn't know to what extent, why, and under what authority there's been censorship. There's no way of appealing. There's no due process.
Rebecca MackinnonRead
The critical question is: How do we ensure that the Internet develops in a way that is compatible with democracy?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of aligning internet development with democratic values.
Rebecca Mackinnon's quote raises a crucial question about the relationship between the Internet and democracy. It highlights the need for deliberate consideration of how online environments can support democratic principles, ensuring that technology serves to enhance rather than undermine democratic processes and freedoms. This inquiry is increasingly relevant as the Internet becomes a central platform for communication, information exchange, and civic engagement.
Themes
InternetDemocracyTechnologyDevelopmentFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about regulating social media to protect democratic values.
More from Rebecca Mackinnon
All quotes βThe potential for the abuse of power through digital networks - upon which we the people now depend for nearly everything, including our politics - is one of the most insidious threats to democracy in the Internet age.
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Citizens' rights cannot be protected if their digital activities are governed and policed by opaque and publicly unaccountable corporate mechanisms.
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