What is censorship?

Censorship is the editing of material from a written or visual presentation. Sometimes the word "censored" is used to indicate that material was removed in the interest of morality, or would be offensive to the intended audience. This may be either sound (bleeped) or video (blurred).

Censorship of unpopular or minority opinions is generally considered anithetical to the Constitution's guarantee of freedom of speech and expression. However, restrictions on adult material (especially pornography) or of vulgar language have been upheld where applied to mass media to which minors might be exposed.

"Hate speech" (religious, ethnic, or racial insults) is likewise prohibited from television and radio. They may appear as part of video and film presentations where the intent is to illustrate and not to proselytize, or in fictitious depictions of real or created characters.

In many societies in the world, opinions in opposition to powerful political or religious groups is often entirely prohibited, and can only be promulgated in secrecy or through international organizations.