In modern society, the media exists in vast quantities, and some content has the potential to traumatise individuals or create psychological dependency. Consequently, many governments impose restrictions on online platforms, and certain countries carefully monitor digital material that may cause harm. Personally, I completely agree with this approach, as it helps prevent misinformation and protects vulnerable groups such as children and retirees.
To begin with, there is widespread consensus that the internet contains an enormous amount of inaccurate or misleading information. This phenomenon stems from the fact that false news, manipulated events, and sensational media can easily confuse the public. A notable example occurred in November 2020 in Almaty, when an unverified online announcement falsely claimed that the Medeu ice-skating rink had officially reopened. As a result, around 470 people gathered at the entrance the following day, demonstrating how misinformation can quickly influence public behaviour.
Furthermore, extensive research shows that children and retirees are the main targets of cybercrime. To provide greater insight, more than 84% of young people and 97% of elderly individuals report encountering online scams. According to the Institute of Social Research, almost 32% of the retired population in Aktau lost part of their savings after being deceived by criminals posing as bank representatives. These cases highlight the urgent need for stronger online regulation and monitoring to ensure public safety.
In conclusion, although the internet offers countless benefits, it also exposes users to misinformation and digital threats. Therefore, reasonable online restrictions are essential to ensure the safety of children, retirees, and society as a whole. Ultimately, prioritising public protection is far more important than allowing unrestricted access to harmful digital content.