Poll Results (Week 9)

Do you think Global Voices Advocacy is beneficial?

This is the last post which is the poll analysis..This poll question shows that 100% of people think that Global Voices Advocacy is beneficial..From the analysis of this poll question, we can conclude that Global Voices Advocacy is beneficial...I think that people chose Global Voices Advocacy is beneficial is because they think that it will provides useful information and educational guides to the users to protect their rights.

None of the respondents think that Global Voices Advocacy is not beneficial because it does not censor. Thus, they can express their thoughts without afraid that they will against the law.. Nowadays, people do not like to being censored.. including me..LOL

What do you think?? Feel free to comment on this topic..although this is the last post of this blog..Thank you very much for spending time to read this blog..Goodbye... =)

Peacefire guards free speech online

Peacefire is initiated in US in the year of 1996 particularly to represent the interests of people under 18 in preserving their First Amendment rights as internet users. Peacefire helps out users to disable blocked software from the computer.

Wonder how it works? =)

The two common ways used to disable the website/software are by using joining in the website Stuppidcensorship.com. But be aware that if you browse through this website you can be tracked and most popular censorware programs like Cyber patrol and CYBERsitter which are totally against the Peacefire.org software already have Stupidcensorship.com in their blocked list. Apart from that, users who can’t access to that website can install Circumventor to unblock certain websites.
*the information given is only for an educational purpose

Although, Peacefire.org stands out to protect First Amendment rights yet it happens to be against the use of online censorship. Censorware companies have been anti-acceptant of Peacefire.org since it’s against the online censorship. Perhaps this method is not recommended to be used in Malaysia since we do not practice the First Amendment rights over here.

Be a safe user and do not involve in dilemma where you can be tracked down. So, what do you think about Peacefire? Do you think it’s suitable to practice this method or is it always the best to block users from retrieving the blocked websites since it can be injuries if they got involved in the wrong internet activities? Do let us know about your opinion.

Blogging on online censorship issues helped me to learn so many advantages and disadvantages of it towards the nation and up to an individual. I’ve learnt the importance of not just online censorship but also online issues as of e-learning, piracy, legal issues, advertising, dating, gambling, gaming, shopping and social networking issues. This experience has been a very interesting learning process. All the while, for me internet was just checking mails, chatting, playing games and being totally engaged with Facebook and Friendster. But now I have learnt how depth internet can go to and I've learnt not to misuse the internet and I know yet all this is still a small portion of the whole internet world. I’m all set to learn more in upcoming time, I hope so are you… =)....Have a great day buddies, it was great experience being blogging with you all.

References:

Peacefire.org, Non-profitable organization,
[Online] Retrieved,18th March.
URL: http://www.peacefire.org

Peacefire.org, Non-profitable organization,
[Online HTML] Retrieved,18th March.
URL: http://www.peacefire.org/info/about-peacefire.shtml

Stupid Censorship.com, [Online] Retrieved, 18th March 2009.
URL: https://www.stupidcensorship.com/cgi-bin/nph-surf.cgi

Rating systems in Malaysia

Malaysians have one similar attitude call LACKADAISICAL which also applies to me. It is more popularly known as 'tidak apa' attitude. Based on the survey results, there are quite a number of respondents who does not care about the rating system before viewing it.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, all films in Malaysia are scrutinised and then categorised by the Film Censorship Board Film Control Division before being distributed and screened to the public. The board was established under the Film Censorship Act 1952 and was later replaced by the Film Censorship Act 2002. A panel is then appointed by the chairman of the board to view each film. Sounds complicated with all the strict procedures. The decisions made by the board on any film is either approved or disapproved.

U (Umum, literally General Audiences)

Film such as Transformers, Enchanted, High School Musical 3:Senior Year, The Dark Knight, Bolt, Mamma Mia, WALL-E are rated U.

PG-13
Parental guidance are suggested for children under 13. It was first introduced in Quantum of Solace, The Duchess, Slumdog Millionaire, The Visitor are rated PG-13.

18SG (Seram, Ganas, literally Graphic Violence and Horror/Terror)
Below18 requires accompanying adult. Film may contain strong violence, gore or horror/terror that can be unaccepted by some. Films such as the Saw series, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, My Bloody Valentine and Friday the 13th are rated 18SG.

18SX (Seks, literally Sexual Content)
Below 18 requires accompanying adult too. Film may contain sex scenes, nudity or sexual dialogues/references people may find objectionable. Films such as Lust, Caution, The Reader, The 40-year Old Virgin and Little Children are rated 18SX.

18PA (Politik, Agama, literally Strong Religious or Political Elements)

Film may contain elements which include religious, social or political aspects which people below 18 requires accompanying adult. Many people find this rating unnecessary, since it is a rare rating and it is used in films such as The Reaping and The Passion of Christ and it is not used till then. Since Malaysia is a multi-racial country, and religion being a sensitive issue, therefore there is a need for this rating.

18PL (Pelbagai, literally Variety)

An adult has to accompany those who are below 18 because the film may contain all the elements mentioned above. Film such as Sin City , The Wrestler, Milk , Watchmen are rated 18PL.

Some people think that film censoring is considered as irrelevant in today’s context. Tuan Haji Husain said that "Many have been questioning whether Film Censorship Board is still relevant with the open sky policy, as there are now broadband, internet and satellite facilities available. However, we are talking about 25 million people who are living in Malaysia. We have to bear in mind that only a small portion of the community has access to the modern facilities and the rest of the majority still depend on television networks as a source for enjoyment, thus film censoring is still relevant. In this context, National Censorship Board is still relevant though open sky policy is being practice."

Reference

Absolute Astronomy, Censorship in Malaysia [Online] Retrieved 16th March 2009
URL: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Censorship_in_Malaysia

Sinema Malaysia Official Website, Editorial Interview with Tuan HJ Husain Hj Shafie, Chairman Malaysia's Film Censorship Board [Online, HTML] Retrieved 16th March 2009

URL: http://www.sinemamalaysia.com.my/main/index.php?mod=article&id=40