Muslim Group Tries to Censor Wikipedia

Over 100,000 people have signed an online petition asking Wikipedia to ‘peacefully’ remove the above picture of Muhammad. Of course, Islamic teaching prohibits images of the prophet–hence the protest.

Wikipedia though refuses to comply stating that it will not be subject to ‘censorship:’

Since Wikipedia is an encyclopedia with the goal of representing all topics from a neutral point of view, Wikipedia is not censored for the benefit of any particular group.

Wikipedia cannot fold on this front since it would effectively render their site useless. If the Muslims want Muhammad’s picture off, ExxonMobil probably wishes to see bruising criticism of its practices removed, and thousands of individuals would like to see their past indiscretions cleared. A censorship slippery slope would devastate Wikipedia, so their position on this matter will not and cannot change.

It’s unclear if the Muslim group has any recourse beyond this petition, but for now it’s internet: 1, Muslims: 0. This action has only resulted in the proliferation of Muhammad’s image around the internet. Which again proves that the internet is not something that can be controlled, or as in this case, censored.

That’s the beauty of the internet, it facilitates the unfiltered and immediate exchange of ideas and information around the world. Thus what we have here is the continuation of an ongoing war between those who wish to spread information and those who seek to contain it. The latter has never won–not the RIAA, MPAA, or the Church of Scientology. Looks like we can chalk up another name on that list.