Here is a summary of the key points from the Hacker News comments, organized into a bullet list:
• Warning about respectful conversation: The thread starts with a reminder to keep the discussion curious and respectful, even on divisive topics, as per the HN guidelines.
• Israel's internet censorship history:
In 2017, Israel started limited internet censorship of terror group websites, illegal gambling, prostitution services, and hard drug sales. Rights groups warned of a slippery slope.
In 2021, a broad "Facebook bill" authorizing censorship was proposed but did not pass.
In April 2024, the Knesset gave the government authority to ban foreign media, going beyond preventing outside media from reporting in Israel to stopping Israelis from viewing certain media.
• Dual nature of Al Jazeera: There are two versions of Al Jazeera - one for Western audiences and another for Middle Eastern audiences with different political alignments. The Middle East version allegedly showed videos from Hamas demanding uprisings against Israel. Al Jazeera, funded by Qatar, is seen more as a political influence tool than an unbiased news agency.
• Concerns about "national security" as a reason for censorship: Once a government can unilaterally ban voices for "national security," it sets a dangerous precedent. The term is elastic and can be misused, as seen in post-9/11 America.
• Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index: RSF gathers data on press freedom worldwide. Their website has information on Israel's ranking and a GitHub repo with mirrored news sites to circumvent censorship.
• Speculation about political motives: Some suggest the Al Jazeera ban is an act of desperation by Netanyahu to appease far-right coalition partners and protect himself from his ongoing corruption trial, even at the expense of free press principles. This raises concerns about undermining democratic norms.
• Importance of domestic media: While concerning, Israel still has serious independent journalism like Haaretz. Nothing can replace the role of domestic media in safeguarding democracy, as seen in the case of Russia.
• Questions about Al Jazeera's influence: The ban's justification seems vague, prompting questions about Al Jazeera's actual role in shaping Palestinian public opinion and whether specific instances of biased reporting can be pointed to.
• Risks of using "national security" as an excuse: Allowing "national security" to be used to destroy freedoms incentivizes leaders to intentionally do a poor job at security to gain more power. Governments unable to protect against journalists should be forced to resign.
• Opposition to media suppression: Any regime that suppresses the media is viewed suspiciously, suggesting they have something to hide.
Hacker News 의견
Here is a summary of the key points from the Hacker News comments, organized into a bullet list:
• Warning about respectful conversation: The thread starts with a reminder to keep the discussion curious and respectful, even on divisive topics, as per the HN guidelines.
• Israel's internet censorship history:
• Dual nature of Al Jazeera: There are two versions of Al Jazeera - one for Western audiences and another for Middle Eastern audiences with different political alignments. The Middle East version allegedly showed videos from Hamas demanding uprisings against Israel. Al Jazeera, funded by Qatar, is seen more as a political influence tool than an unbiased news agency.
• Concerns about "national security" as a reason for censorship: Once a government can unilaterally ban voices for "national security," it sets a dangerous precedent. The term is elastic and can be misused, as seen in post-9/11 America.
• Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index: RSF gathers data on press freedom worldwide. Their website has information on Israel's ranking and a GitHub repo with mirrored news sites to circumvent censorship.
• Speculation about political motives: Some suggest the Al Jazeera ban is an act of desperation by Netanyahu to appease far-right coalition partners and protect himself from his ongoing corruption trial, even at the expense of free press principles. This raises concerns about undermining democratic norms.
• Importance of domestic media: While concerning, Israel still has serious independent journalism like Haaretz. Nothing can replace the role of domestic media in safeguarding democracy, as seen in the case of Russia.
• Questions about Al Jazeera's influence: The ban's justification seems vague, prompting questions about Al Jazeera's actual role in shaping Palestinian public opinion and whether specific instances of biased reporting can be pointed to.
• Risks of using "national security" as an excuse: Allowing "national security" to be used to destroy freedoms incentivizes leaders to intentionally do a poor job at security to gain more power. Governments unable to protect against journalists should be forced to resign.
• Opposition to media suppression: Any regime that suppresses the media is viewed suspiciously, suggesting they have something to hide.