When Orkut Buyukkoten designed this interactive site, little did he know that it would turn controversial across the globe in years to come. Google stumbled over Buyukkoten's genius, and decided to take it across the borders. This has resulted in Orkut being the number one interactive and social networking site today. This open forum has been a boon for zillions to meet their old pals and make new ones, to find jobs and life partners. On the flip side, the communities section of the site proved as a ventilator for all things viable and illegitimate. Be it adverting po*n or agitating against George Bush and his Iraq war or supporting 'I hate Clubs' for the actors they dislike, the political parties and the national heroes that a section thinks are overrated.
The site made headlines this week with the extreme ethnic right protesting and damaging cyber caf's in parts of the city where most kids surf on the net (not necessarily for Orkut). But that is not the case; the fact that liberties are taken and national figures are slandered is a valid concern. The ban on Orkut will change a lot of things forever; it will curtail freedom of speech and regulate civility in the society. However it's the World Wide Web and Orkut is one of the sites, there are million others catering to the same set of people who are keen to voice their feelings. We asked our telly stars whether they think that Orkut in India has become a menace and should be banned. Is freedom of speech to another level or is the issue just blown out of proportion by the right-winged to show who has the upper hand? Here is what they had to opine:
Moni Roy :
I think its okay to place your comments on Orkut, it's a friendly community. I have many friends on Orkut, in fact thanks to the engine I have re connected to all my old friends since kindergarten. I understand that there are offensive comments that some people post but there is also an option provided to block and report abuse that should be used. Banning Orkut won't help, if something bothers someone they can just ignore it.
Kumkum Bhagya
