Following numerous complaints received about the considerable penetration of social networking into the public discourse, and the many failures resulting, The Knesset Law Committee and Science Committee held a joint meeting to discuss the matter.
Professionals addressed the joint session, addressing the advances of technology and how private conversation quickly revert to public discourse as a result of social media and networking. Maklev explains “privacy has become mere recommendation as ‘shaming’ and insults against different people and the peoples’ right to know have outweighed the fundamental right of privacy”.
Research presented to the committees shows that a conversation between individuals while their smartphones were nearby led to the conversation becoming public as they use their phones to transcribe information of their conversation.
It was explained there are not enough tools available to act against the operators and owners of the networks, who do not feel obligated and from their perspective, the more information uploaded the greater their success. The committee members were told even threats of closure will not have an impact on social networks because of the great power of these entities.
Committee Chairman Rabbi Uri Maklev said in a statement that ” it is important to know that freedom of expression it is not freedom of incitement and advanced technology does not permit an invasion of privacy without limits, which may ultimately lead to death and destruction”.
MK Maklev added “chareidi rabbonim is carrying on a long struggle against these environmental hazards, and they were the first to anticipate the problems that may arise because of this. This tzibur has shown how to curb the devastating impact of these forms of technology, and chareidi education is an example that building high fences to block the slightest entry of this technology”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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4 Responses
Everything you say is true.
But first begin with your cabinet ministers, MKs from secular to ultra chareidi, journalists, ex-Mossad chiefs, generals, politicians of the opposition 30,000 parties, and yes, rabbis, whose lust for fame and kavod say the most damaging things about their country just to get a little publicity, which is then picked up by the media and wire services around the globe and then used to demean and insult Jews and Israel, often using your very own words. None of you ever think about the harmful and shameful consequences of your blather.
The complaints over social networking are widespread in all countries, cultures, religions, etc. It isn’t so much a halachic issue as a general societal one. The problem is real, but it isn’t “our” problem any more, or less, than everyone else’s.
Didn’t his sibling use a smartphone to con a relative(s) into committing capital sins? Wouldn’t it not serve him better if social media had not carried the news of those sins being exposed? Maybe someone else should be leading the battle against social media, as he might be seen as someone with an ulterior motive. Just maybe.
#1 I think you’re missing the point.