U.S. Response

Ever since the Internet was introduced to the public, issues regarding the privacy of its users has been a prime concern. Many countries have different viewpoints on the concept of Internet privacy, as is evident in the scenario titled "Control of the Internet - Singapore Looks to Superhighway". This scenario describes how Singapore has installed an "internetwork hub", where all Internet service providers and networks access the Internet through the same leased line. The hub provides a means to identify users electronically, and to regulate their Internet use.

This scenario would not be viable in the United States. This type of governmental control violates a US citizen's right to privacy. The Spyware Control and Privacy Protection Act of 2001 disallows any type of online monitoring unless there is prior consent from the user. However a few years ago this distinction was not as clear. In 1996, in order to provide Internet regulation, the US government passed the Communications Decency Act. This Act was introduced mainly to protect children, however the Act was struck down in 1997 on the ground that it violates the 1st amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech. According to the Constitution of the United States, Amendment I, no law can be created that limits or prohibits the free expression of speech or press. This allows for almost any form of personal expression regardless of the media type. Thus one can publish intellectual property on the Internet wherever there is an interest to do so. Under this right, controversial content like pornography, drug use, and religious literature can be provided by anyone under the law. With this basis in mind, it is also ones' right to view the vastly diverse content of the Internet in the privacy of ones' home. This and many other rights are guaranteed by the fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This subject has been debated over the years and is still in the news today. The world of adult material has been the focus of the most ridicule in past years. Due to religious and moral protests many citizens have raised a great deal of objection to unregulated media, especially via Internet. The Supreme Court on many occasions has ruled in favor of the preservation of the Constitutional rights to free press and speech.