WedgeSocial on Nostr: Censorship and filtering are two distinct concepts, though they are often related in ...

Censorship and filtering are two distinct concepts, though they are often related in practice, particularly concerning internet content.

**Censorship** involves the suppression or prohibition of content deemed inappropriate, offensive, or a threat by an external authority, such as a government or organization. This authority decides what content should be restricted, and individuals typically have no control over these decisions. Censorship can involve removing or altering content and can apply to books, films, news, and online information[2][3][5].

**Filtering**, on the other hand, is generally a process where individuals or organizations control access to content based on specific criteria. It allows users to choose what they want to block or allow, often using technology like software that blocks content based on keywords or traffic patterns. Filtering is often used to tailor content consumption to personal preferences or organizational policies[1][4][5].

While both methods restrict access to information, censorship is imposed by an external authority without user choice, whereas filtering involves user control and choice over what content is accessed[5][6].

Sources
[1] What's different between filters and a "censure"? If ... - DEV Community https://dev.to/vasilvestre/comment/78gd
[2] A question of ethics: filtering and censoring the Internet - Jonsdocs https://blog.jonsdocs.org.uk/2019/06/16/a-question-of-ethics-filtering-and-censoring-the-internet/
[3] Access to Content: Censorship, Blocking and Filtering | eReader https://www.mediadefence.org/ereader/publications/advanced-modules-on-digital-rights-and-freedom-of-expression-online/module-2-restricting-access-and-content/access-to-content-censorship-blocking-and-filtering/
[4] Internet Filters - National Coalition Against Censorship https://ncac.org/resource/internet-filters-2
[5] FAQ: Is filtering and censoring the same thing? - VidAngel Blog https://blog.vidangel.com/faq-is-filtering-and-censoring-the-same-thing/
[6] Why There Is A Fine Line Between Filtering and Censorship Online https://unitedperfectum.com/news/why-there-is-a-fine-line-between-filtering-and-censorship-online/
[7] How to: Understand and Circumvent Network Censorship ... https://ssd.eff.org/module/understanding-and-circumventing-network-censorship
[8] Web architecture: Filtering and Censorship - W3C https://www.w3.org/DesignIssues/Filtering.html