The Internet may be too democratizing for any government to let stand. When citizens have transparent access to what their government is really up to, those inside the government may be held accountable, which is not something they will take kindly to.

All of this hubbub regarding the Internet has occurred because of a very small percentage of users making waves (whether positive like those reporting the Greenpeace images or negative like those "organizing" the London riot).

The only way governments can hope to control is through voluntary self-regulation as a result of fear of that government. We need everybody to be a thorn. That's the only way we won't end up in some Brave New 1984.