The internet makes it possible to sell all over the world digital products like

Question

The internet makes it possible to sell all over the world digital products like music, books, and films that maybe offensive in certain cultures.  For example, in Japan it is acceptable to publish and read comic books that graphically depict sex with children (notice these are comic books, so they do not depict actual persons, but fictional drawings).  Should the US or other governments ban the viewing and sale of web versions of these comic books and other culturally offensive digital products?  If yes, who should decide which products are offensive?  If no, how could we prevent the harm caused by these products?

Explanation / Answer

More than being culturally offensive, these kind of digital products may destroy the social and moral fabric of the societies that are not used to such kind of art. Having said that one must have a predefined scale which can judge the degree of vulgarity of these forms of art. For e.g. in some cultures nude art is perfectly acceptable. In another culture, people may be indifferent but it may provoke them in the event an artist paints a divine figure as naked. In such a case, it may arouse a demand for blanket ban over nude art.  

The decision to ban or not to ban is very subjective. What one may find offensive, may not be offensive to others. In such a case, it can be difficult to reach a consensus by a govt alone. A country's legal system can debate these matters in the senate and court of justice. Yet it may not reflect what the general populace feels about it. On such matters, referendums may be a good idea. This may not be a fool proof method especially when results are very close( say a 51-49 result). Yet letting a govt decide a matter may not be the best means as it involve some electoral bias or rejecting minority rights.

We may not be always be able prevent the harm caused by these products. For e.g. any kind of offensive activities (like mentioned in the question) is likely to cause more harm in that society. But, for lesser offensive art such as nude painting, something can be done by educating and sensitizing the consumers of these art.

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