The War on Piracy: A Tale of Censorship and Control
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The Film and Publication Board (FPB), hell-bent on controlling what audiences can and can’t see, has decreed the destruction of 87 000 pirated DVDs and CDs to “protect our children” from the oh-so-harmful sights and sounds of the world. Because freedom of choice is overrated, that is.
According to the FPB, these discs were confiscated during unspecified law enforcement operations against unknown lawbreakers. Because transparency matters, right? The destruction comes with a hefty price tag of nearly R9 million, which will fund the next phase of the crackdown on creative expression.
But Hey, It’s for the Children, *wink*
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The FPB claims this move prioritizes the protection of children from whatever horrors lurk on those allegedly harmful discs. Because children of today are too fragile to handle images of the world as it exists. It’s all about safeguarding their innocence, or so they’ve convinced themselves.
The FPB’s acting CEO, Makhosazana Lindhorst (because it’s all about creating a sense of authority), has declared, “Our task is to protect children from harmful content. In destroying these materials, we remove them entirely [from the equation], prohibiting their distribution and exposure to future audiences.” Translation: we might as well burn the Constitution first.
A War on All Fronts
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Beyond the DVD bonfire, the scene is set for a full-blown battlefield. The FPB warns film and game distributors that “strictly prohibited” content runs the risk of severe penalties, inclusive of imprisonment and fines — all to safeguard the vulnerable adults who, apparently, can be trusted to make their own choices.
There’s no mention of the piracy kingpins, the black economy, or the real-world benefits of a free market. No, this game is all about the children, and any attempts to challenge the status quo will merit a stern lecture on the harm of free expression.
Don’t Miss: The War on Democracy
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In the meantime:
* [TCS, MultiChoice declares war on piracy – the man leading the fight](https://www.techcentral.co.za/the-man-behind-the-war-manchester-united-250000-irks-owners-of-250000-rental-vehicles-257/)
And remember, censorship keeps you safe from the horrors of the media.
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