INTERNET RESTRICTION AND CENSORSHIP: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME DIGITAL COIN

Abstract

The Internet was initially designed as an open platform for unrestricted communication and seamless information sharing. However, it soon became apparent that the internet was being misused, causing harm to society. This misuse led to the need for regulating its use and access. Consequently, two interconnected concepts emerged: internet restriction and internet censorship. These terms are often conflated, leading to imprecise legal and policy discussions. This article is an attempt to clarify the distinction between these concepts, demonstrating that while both practices limit digital freedom, internet restriction limits access to the internet, whereas internet censorship modifies content. The study employs a comparative legal and doctrinal research methodology, analyzing primary sources, i.e., legislation, court decisions, and international treaties, and secondary sources, like articles and reports. The study finds that conflating restriction with censorship weakens legal responses and digital rights advocacy. It recommends that policymakers, digital rights advocates, and legal scholars use precise terminology to improve regulatory frameworks and protect fundamental rights in the digital space. By distinguishing these concepts, the study contributes to more nuanced debates on internet governance and legal protections for online freedoms