Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. censorship (n.) – the act of preventing
material or information from being fully seen, read or heard; the removal of
offensive material
Example:
In strict countries, news programs cannot report information against the
government because of media censorship
laws.
2. applaud (v.) – to give praise or
express approval
Example: The
board members applauded the excellent project proposal.
3. idealistic (adj.) – having a belief
in what is ideal or perfect
Example: Critics
believe that a quick recovery of the economy within a short period of time is
too idealistic.
4. cooperate (v.) – to be willing to help or
work with someone
Example: The
witnesses cooperated with the police
by describing the criminal in detail.
5. stifle (v.) – to prevent or to
restrain by force
Example: He
stifled his laugh to avoid disturbing the ceremony.
Article
Read the text below.
Short-messaging service giant Twitter recently announced that it
will allow the censorship of
messages within specific countries. While the policy change has angered those
who believe in free speech, countries that promote censorship applaud the decision.
Twitter plans to further expand internationally and reach a higher
number of users, and countries may be more welcoming if Twitter’s service
allows messages to be censored. The new policy will make sure Twitter
messages or “tweets” are seen by as many people as possible, while still
following local laws in each country.
Through the new Twitter censorship option, a tweet can be blocked in countries where the message is unlawful. Twitter then posts a censorship notice for the removed tweet. Other than that, the original tweet can still be seen elsewhere in the world.
One country that praises Twitter’s new feature is China, whose strict rule on Internet censorship has been called the “Great Firewall of China” by Internet freedom fighters. According to a newspaper run by the Chinese government, unlimited freedom is too idealistic, even for the Internet. The newspaper adds that Twitter has to put primary focus on being a business and not on being a tool that gives everyone complete freedom of expression.
Another supporter of the new policy is Thailand's technology
minister Anudith Nakornthap, who believes that this is a good development. He
says that by cooperating with
different governments, Twitter will not violate the basic rights of those
using social media.
For years, Twitter has proven to be a powerful tool that lets people
around the world freely express ideas and organize mass movements. However,
global activists fear that Twitter’s new policy on censorship might stifle
people’s
freedom of speech, and some are making plans to boycott Twitter.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
●
Why
do you think Twitter (or other social media sites) is popular?
●
Do
you agree with Twitter’s decision to follow countries’ censorship laws in order
to expand business? Please explain your answer.
Discussion B
●
What
do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of censorship from social
media sites like Twitter, YouTube and Facebook?
●
Do
you believe people should have unlimited freedom of expression? Why or why not?