If we grant too much power to online providers to screen for indecent material, public discourse and online content in cyberspace will be controlled by the providers and not the users of this fantastic resource.
Predictor: Leahy, Patrick
Prediction, in context:In a 1995 congressional press release, the comments made by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) at a hearing on cyberporn and children include the following: ”The Internet is like a combination of a great library and town square, where people can make available vast amounts of information or take part in free and open discussions on any topic … To impose the government regulation of broadcasters to the Internet is inappropriate. Anyone with a computer and a modem can send something out on the Internet, but unlike a broadcaster, potential listeners must seek out this information and download it. Any legislative approach must take into consideration online users’ privacy and free-speech interests. If we grant too much power to online providers to screen for indecent material, public discourse and online content in cyberspace will be controlled by the providers and not the users of this fantastic resource.”
Biography:Patrick Leahy was a U.S. Senate member who played an important role in Congressional discussions of the Internet in the 1990s. (Legislator/Politician/Lawyer.)
Date of prediction: July 24, 1995
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Censorship/Free Speech
Name of publication: Congressional Press Releases
Title, headline, chapter name: Congressional Action: Statement of Senator Leahy at Hearing on Cyperporn and Children, the Scope of the Problem, the State of the Technology and Need for Congressional Action
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=5d15882f4ffc75728b8dd01a9419ad2f&_docnum=12&wchp=dGLbVzz-lSlzV&_md5=03c277f2c8fb0aa368fe9db6b7b360e0
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney