Consider the merits and demerits of censorship and explain why it is un/necessary

Censorship is the removal or withholding of information from the public by a controlling group or body. Typically censorship is done by governments, religious groups, or the mass media, although other forms of censorship exist. Censorship is not a new concept at all, it was already being practiced during ancient times.

Reasons on why censorship is necessary include the intention to protect children and weak minded from offensive materials such as pornography, violence, etc. If children are exposed to all these, they might grow up with wrong values inculcated in them and might poise to be a threat to society.

Some might argue otherwise as censorship only delays the time children get exposed to the real world as they would eventually do. This could lead to curiosity and children would find means of obtaining information on topics such as sex through various sources such as the internet.

Censorship also helps to maintain peace and national security. Racial issues are very sensitive in Singapore. Imagine a video leaked showing a certain race being discriminated against. This would cause chaos and could eventually lead to racial riots which would result in instability of our country. Therefore, censorship is needed to prevent this from happening.

In conclusion, I believe that censorship is necessary as the benefits would outweigh some of the problems that would arise from it.