This year there has been a lot of discussion in Washington about whether Internet service providers should monitor customers’ surfing to target advertising. Now, there are signs that one topic next year will be whether I.S.P.’s should analyze traffic to block trading of copyrighted files. At least, Hollywood appears to be preparing for that debate. And it is trying to get allies among technology companies and artist groups.

Porter Airlines is censoring access to gay and lesbian websites on its passenger courtesy computers. The airline — which operates out of the Toronto Island airport — offers free computer and internet access in its passenger lounge. However passengers using the computers are unable to access sites with queer content, including Xtra.ca, or to search for sites using phrases like "gay Pride."

Tunisia promotes itself as a progressive nation that protects human rights, but a CPJ investigation has found that it aggressively silences journalists and others who challenge the policies of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. In a new report, “The Smiling Oppressor,” CPJ has found journalists subject to routine imprisonment, assault, harassment, and censorship.

An ISP which was ordered by a court to stop illegal file-sharing on its network, says it simply can not. The Belgian ISP Scarlet says the court’s verdict is unworkable and after trying to slow traffic and also filter it, it says it’s not possible to stop the flow of illicit files since Audible Magic doesn’t work.