The Dispute over Filtering “indecent” Images in Wikipedia
The Dispute over Filtering “indecent” Images in Wikipedia
Author(s): Thomas RoessingSubject(s): Theory of Communication, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Masarykova univerzita nakladatelství
Keywords: Wikipedia; Online Community; Pornography; Censorship; Public Opinion; Third-Person Effect;
Summary/Abstract: In 2010, Wikipedia was accused by individuals as well as some media organizations of hosting illegal and indecent images. The foundation that runs Wikipedia commissioned a report on contentious images and the development of an image filter. This opt-in filter was designed to enable individual-level filtering of images with sexual, violent, sacred, or otherwise contentious images. The plans were considered a first step to censorship by many users and sparked considerable protest in Wikipedia’s online community. In-depth analysis reveals that concepts from communication research, such as the Third-Person Effect and Public Opinion, can be applied to the issue. Results of an experiment on the effects of disgusting medical images are discussed.
Journal: Masaryk University Journal of Law and Technology
- Issue Year: 7/2013
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 303-317
- Page Count: 15
- Language: English