An attitude of citizens to state control over the internet traffic

The problem of using Internet resources is becoming increasingly urgent. A world-wide system of computers, local networks, servers, voluntarily joined together into one network distributed across the planet, which serves to exchange information, has been created, and the question of regulating this network arises. This is a big social problem, and for this reason it is so widely and hotly debated around the world. In this regard, the purpose of this article is to analyze the attitude of citizens towards the state control over Internet traffic in the 21st century. Research methods: The leading research method is a survey conducted with residents of a metropolis, which allows considering this problem as a dynamic process. Results of the study: The article presents the results of the interviews and shows that the majority of users of Internet resources have a negative attitude towards the control of user Internet traffic by the state. The majority of the population is not only not ready to pay the costs to communication companies, but is also ready to show civic activism in obstructing the functioning of the law. The respondents indicated the following main objectives, which the state adheres to, controlling the users' network traffic: preventing recruitment to prohibited terrorist organizations; prevention of acts of terrorism; drug trafficking prevention; receiving information about public opinion; prevention of illegal actions and rallies; receiving information about the activities of opposition parties; obtaining compromising materials. Practical significance: The data obtained in the work can be used in jurisprudence, practical psychology, as well as for further theoretical development of this issue. © 2018 by the authors; licensee Modestum Ltd.