Text of my ‘When Worlds Collide’ column published in Ceylon Today Sunday newspaper on 14 October 2012

The battle to keep the Internet open and free is being fought on several fronts, and for a whole range of reasons – from access to knowledge and enabling social justice and to supporting democratic pluralism and market liberalism.

With connectivity spreading and getting cheaper, an estimated 3 million Lankans (15% of population) regularly use the medium. They and their families are slowly but surely tapping its potential for education, skills development and income generation.

As information society takes root, we grapple with post-connectivity challenges. Among them: how to negotiate with self-appointed guardians of culture and morals. The Internet is their favourite whipping boy now.

As with any other medium with diverse content, user discretion is advised. Throwing the baby out with the bathwater is not.

Extending that metaphor, how can we safeguard…