The UK public remains torn between the need for the  state to protect its citizens and the fundamental principle of freedom of speech in the cyber world. The next meme in our summer series was chosen from amongst the many popular user generated images that deal with the issue of online free speech. It combines a popularly recognized image from the blockbuster film, “The Lord Of The Rings” with humorous text that express the frustration of those on one side of this debate.

Just one year since David Cameron announced new plans requiring ISPs to block pornography as their default setting, it has become clear that these filters are blocking large amounts of clean content. Over the last few weeks many news articles citing the problems with UK Internet pornography filters have raised questions regarding the potential dangers of Internet content censorship or filtering.

Even as far back as 2011, these efforts were identified as a gateway to censorship.  On the other hand, those in favor of increasing Internet filters for child safety argue that critics are conflating regulation and censorship, and that plenty of other forms of media are subject to regulation for child safety purposes (like TV).

What do you think? Are Internet filters censorship or regulation? Can one “simply censor the Internet?” Tweet us your answer: @LSEMediaPolicy