Online video will account for 90% of all consumer internet traffic by 2013. Ensuring that such a majority of our online interaction remains free and open is a top concern. If digital video is tied down to a small number of central websites using proprietary players, it becomes an easier target for censorship or removal. In many places, shutting off access to a particular website runs counter to the interest of all interested parties and represents an attack on free speech. However, in areas where access to certain parts of the web are denied for political reasons, this practice of blocking content is common. The example often cited is internet censorship in the People’s Republic of China. Certainly, such measures do not come without criticism and resistance. In an effort to work around the firewall, and promote fairness and privacy through anonymous browsing, free software such as TOR has been made available. A more distributed, free, and widespread network of content on the web is one method of combating censorship and persecution. The right of individual users to share culture with respect for privacy preserves civil liberties in the digital setting.

image by Thomas Hawk

More info:
Privacy Icons on Mozilla Drumbeat
Tor
ACLU and Online Free Speech

How can we improve this page? Send us suggestions, resources, or other information. tips@openvideoalliance.org