Web Filtering and Censoring

The public perceives the Web as a wildly uncensored medium, the embodiment of complete freedom of expression (for good or bad). In reality, information on the Web is not as uncontrolled as it may appear. According to the OpenNet Initiative (www.opennet.net), more than 40 countries actively filter Web access- selectively blocking content to a billion Internet users worldwide-and many others are considering doing so. These countries use various methods to apply different levels of filtering.