Arizona officials intend to censor the Internet

The government of Arizona, USA, has approved a new bill, which states that all “offensive” remarks in the Internet will be regarded as a crime. The government submitted a letter to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, asking her not to sign the bill into law.

According to the bill, any use of electronic and digital devices for intimidation, threats, harassment or abuse of people is considered to be illegal and prohibited. It should be noted that the application of the law can be implemented even without the victim’s claim of being insulted and intimidated. Publications will be deemed by the government.

Opponents of the bill claim that under it any statement, published in the Internet, might be regarded as crime.

Representatives of the American Media Coalition, which protects the First Amendment, have sent a letter to Governor Brewer with a request not to sign the bill because it violates the free speech of the Internet users.

In addition to this bill Arizona officials also intend to impose another bill, under which parents will have the opportunity to read the SMS of their minor children.