lawonline.com

Type: Essay
Category: Unpublished

"lawonline.com"
by Charito Chua

Writing about anyone and anything is as easy as a click of a button. That is how the Internet has made our modern world much easier. It has been crafted to make our communication faster, easier and more convenient for everyone around the globe. However, the Internet is too wide and free for everyone and everything that it has already been causing damage. If it were to be considered written, many civilians have already been sued for libel for a simple Facebook status. But that is exactly the problem, should we consider online journalism as print media, and apply the same laws as they have?

Up until now, laws have still not been clear with regards to online publishing. More and more things posted in the Internet should be considered libelous acts. But that is the main problem of this all, it makes it difficult for those who are defamed to obtain such rightful justice when justice cannot reach cyberspace. How would the people protect their rights, reputation and image in the virtual reality given to the entire world? The laws still cannot be applied in terms of the Internet.

In my opinion, media laws should definitely be implemented for online journalism. But then of course, our current libel laws cannot be acted upon online publishing. There should be a specific set of laws created to cater for online writers and journalists. That way, these rules and guidelines can fully match the characteristics of online journalism.

First off, I think that there should be laws implemented for online. This set of rules and regulations should be followed and known worldwide. Since the internet is accessed anywhere around the globe, and anyone can write about anyone from the other side of the world, the laws for online publications and other forms of journalism should be acted for global use and implications as well. Ethical values should also be given importance and significance for the online writers to realize how values are also applied in the Internet, like all the other forms of media.

Website hosting should also be responsible in terms of their users. Like the laws set for the television industry, the website host should also be held accountable for any of the unlawful things stated by anyone who posted in the website. The website host would also take part in the case, unless there has been an agreement between the website host and the users that the host would not be held accountable for any circumstances or posts created by a user.

Next, I think that there should be, if possible, an international sector that caters to the Internet needs and demands. This association should also be in charge of the implemented rules and regulations in terms of online journalism. They have to make sure that the internet world is regulated and handled carefully in order to maintain the peace and conformity of the websites, website hosts, writers, bloggers, etc. That way, everything that is posted would be maintained to be under the rules officially and universally accepted and strictly followed.

Technology is shaping the Internet fast, and our laws should quicken the steps to catch up. Hopefully, there would be a world pact in order to maintain the order not only the physical world, but also on the extension we call the Internet.