1. The essence of the internet is the free-flow and exchange of information. To impose a restriction on one aspect of its use (specifically internet campaigning) is to strip it of its very essence not to mention it would also deprive an individual of his personal freedoms. For example: some fans might create their own poster or banner and post it on their own website and should the Comelec choose to impose restrictions on an act such as this, it would unduly deprive a person of certain fundamental freedoms such as the freedom of expression.
2. The internet, otherwise known as Cyberspace, is simply too vast and complex to be monitored effectively. The Comelec is faced with enough troubles of its own already, whether it is with regard to the ballots or the data transmission center or the PCOS (precinct count optical scan) machine itself. It should not burden itself anymore with policing the internet and monitor the millions of Filipinos using it, as it is impossible to do so anyway.
Matters such as this - the regulation of the use of the internet for campaign purposes is not a matter that should be decided on a knee-jerk basis with a specific and existing application or technology in mind. The guidelines should be carefully crafted and embodied in a well thought out law that has broader applicability and with long-term policy considerations. I think more focus must also be devoted towards bridging the digital divide and increasing accessibility to everyone. And lastly, I think what the Comelec ought to really look at and address is the campaign spending because this is where perhaps the regulation of the internet for campaign ads could come in.
2 comments:
problem is even our general policy in the internet. even our general laws are deemed inadequate to cope up with the times. comelec pa kaya. hehe. however, at least internet, unlike those damn tarps and posters, do not clutter and toxify our streets. mas gusto ko na super mag internet campaign sila kaysa naman every lamp post and wall may tacky posters nila.
i agree. it's so irritating to see these big tarps and posters on the streets. like owen said, mas ok na lang mag-campaign sa internet (less harmful pa to mother earth with all these posters and big tarps). as to the regulation of internet campaign, i think that as much as possible, it should not be regulated at all. should there be any regulation, it should only be minimal - talk about free flow of data and information...
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