Google Execs Pen ‘Future of Internet Freedom’ Op-Ed

NEW YORK— Eric E. Schmidt, the executive chairman of Google, and Jared Cohen, the director of Google Ideas, contributed an op-ed piece to the NY Times about (and titled) “The Future of Internet Freedom,” detailing technological means to overcome harsh online censorship in repressive communities.  

The duo asserts that the next decade will see a five-billion person strong increase in Internet users across the world, primarily in places like Russia, Vietnam, Pakistan and Iran where web access is heavily censored, “places where clicking on an objectionable article can get your entire extended family thrown in prison, or worse,” they write.

The piece then parses specific means of repression — “deep packet inspection” hardware, distributed-denial-of-service attacks, wholesale server slow-downs and others, used by authorities to prevent individuals from accessing certain information, whether it be porn or anti-government tracts.

“And while the technologies of repression are a multibillion-dollar industry, the tools to measure and assess digital repression get only a few million dollars in government and private funding,” they explain. “Private and academic centers like the Citizen Lab in Toronto are building detection tools, but we are still in the early days of mapping the reach of digital censorship.”

Schmidt and Cohen offer several means to combat repression and believe that, with the right public and private investments, a positive, global difference could be made.

“Much of the fight against censorship has been led by the activists of the Internet freedom movement,” the piece continues. “We can join this open source community, whether we are policy makers, corporations or individuals. Money, coding skills or government grants can all make a difference.

“Given the energies and opportunities out there, it’s possible to end repressive Internet censorship within a decade. If we want the next generation of users to be free, we don’t see any other option.”

To read the complete op-ed on N.Y. Times.com, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More