OFOUR #
Name
Censorship, Ban, and Criminalisation of Artistic Expression [ONEFOUR vs. NSW Police]
Contract Address
Token ID
10
Token Standard
ERC-721
Description
This essay delves into the evolving nature of censorship in the digital era, focusing on how corporate platforms, under pressure from authorities, are increasingly controlling artistic expression. The essay uses the case of the Australian rap group ONEFOUR and their battle with NSW Police as an example of how modern censorship operates in less visible ways. Unlike the direct bans of the past, this new form of censorship subtly manipulates digital platforms, making it seem like it's for public safety rather than suppressing voices critical of those in power. Artists like ONEFOUR, especially marginalized ones, face limitations on their digital reach, ultimately silencing their voices without the overt visibility of state suppression.
Globally, this phenomenon is not limited to authoritarian regimes. Even in democracies, authorities are weaponizing digital platforms to suppress voices that challenge their authority. Tactics include content removal, harassment via government-backed trolls, and exploiting vague platform terms of service, disproportionately impacting marginalized creators. This creates a "chilling effect," where artists may self-censor to avoid being entirely silenced.
The essay warns that the global reach and opacity of the internet allow censorship to transcend borders. Corporate platforms become the ultimate gatekeepers, often with no clear guidelines on what constitutes "acceptable" content. This dangerous trend stifles the free flow of information and limits the democratic potential of the digital space.
To counter this, global advocacy groups, coalitions, and decentralized networks are vital. Organizations like Freemuse and PEN International help fight back by raising awareness and offering legal support to affected artists. The essay emphasizes the importance of platform transparency, clear guidelines, artist education, and coalition building to safeguard artistic freedom in the digital age. Moreover, decentralization is proposed as a solution to prevent censorship at scale, where no single entity holds the power to silence artists, ensuring that voices critical of authority are not erased from the digital world.
Properties
Series
Censored!
Essay
04
Title
Censorship 2.0
Theme
The Weaponisation of the Digital Space
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