Topic: Censorship of the Internet
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Delegate Name: Alexandra Plichta
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Bosnia and Herzegovina position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
It is inarguable to say that the internet may be one of the most accessible and fastest growing sources of information in the world. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, only approximately one-fourth of the population has constant access to it. Many times, those who do not have permanent access to it go to internet cafes. Customers of these cafes are typically primary, secondary, and college students, middle-aged people, and foreigners. These groups of people typically use the internet for email and chatting. While other countries feel the threat of negative news outlets on the internet, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina typically receive their news from traditional sources, such as through newspapers and televisions. Nevertheless, Bosnia frowns upon blasphemous statements against people or organizations. There is a definite difference between speaking one’s opinion and blatantly spreading lies. Although primary news are prevalent, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina use the internet to voice opinions on many topics, even governmental activities; discussion groups and forums are popularly used for these such purposes. Bosnia, in a way, has adopted “Net Neutrality” by allowing such actions.
Throughout Bosnia’s brief history, we have implemented the freedoms of speech and expression laws in our Constitution. These freedoms make it easier for Bosnian citizens to more easily voice their opinions. This includes doing so on the internet. We, also, believe that freedoms such as these apply to the viewing of internet sites that may include content deemed inappropriate so long as they are not blasphemous in nature. Many other nations, however, feel that citizens should not be allowed to view internet content that is inappropriate or anti-government. Although the nations have the right to do this because of national sovereignty, they should be more willing to allow their citizens to more freely access the internet. An action that could be taken is to educate these nations on the benefits of open internet access. This should occur so that nations understand that their citizens can absorb more information and form opinions that may end up furthering the progress of the nation in question if they liberate internet access. However, it is obviously undesirable that this committee tread on the toes of national sovereignty.
