Oddbean

In view of the French police arresting Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, I thought it might be interesting for you to read this part of my conversation with Perplexity AI on cencorship and monopolization attempts after the invention of the printing press. Me I guess it didn't take much time after Gutenberg launched the printing press in 1440 before rulers understood that they had to censor, monopolize or give privileges related to the use of the printing press and distribution of printed texts. Answer The introduction of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440 indeed led to significant reactions from rulers and authorities across Europe and beyond, primarily due to its potential to disseminate information widely, which could challenge established powers, religious doctrines, and societal norms. Here's how rulers and authorities responded: Censorship: One of the immediate responses was censorship. Authorities, particularly religious ones, were concerned about the spread of heretical or subversive ideas. For instance, the Catholic Church, during the Counter-Reformation, established the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (Index of Prohibited Books) in 1559, which listed books that Catholics were forbidden to read or possess due to their content being deemed heretical or contrary to Church doctrine. This was an attempt to control the spread of Protestant ideas and other unwanted knowledge. Monopolization and Privileges: Rulers also sought to control the printing press through monopolies or by granting privileges. In Venice, for example, the government issued printing privileges to specific printers, giving them exclusive rights to print certain texts. This not only controlled what was printed but also who could print, effectively creating a form of monopoly. These privileges were often granted in exchange for loyalty or financial benefits to the state. Regulation and Licensing: Beyond outright censorship, many states implemented systems of licensing where printers had to obtain permission to operate or to print specific works. This allowed authorities to keep tabs on what was being produced and distributed. In England, for instance, the Crown established the Stationers' Company in 1557, which had the power to regulate printing, including the right to search for and seize illicit presses. Ottoman Empire's Response: Interestingly, the Ottoman Empire initially resisted the adoption of the printing press, fearing it would lead to the spread of ideas that could challenge Islamic orthodoxy or Ottoman rule. Printing in Turkish with movable type was only allowed in 1727, significantly later than in Europe, which some historians argue contributed to the Empire's relative decline in intellectual and technological advancements. Public Burning of Books: In some instances, particularly during periods of religious fervor or political upheaval, books deemed heretical or seditious were publicly burned. This was not just censorship but also a public spectacle meant to deter others from similar activities. Control Over Content: Beyond outright banning, there was a push to control content through pre-publication censorship. Manuscripts had to be reviewed by ecclesiastical or secular authorities before they could be printed, ensuring that only approved ideas reached the public. The response to the printing press was multifaceted, reflecting a broader anxiety about the loss of control over information. While some rulers saw the economic and cultural benefits of printing, leading to a more nuanced approach of regulation rather than outright suppression, others viewed it as a direct threat to their authority. This tension between control and the free flow of information has been a recurring theme throughout history, with the printing press as one of the earliest technologies to bring this conflict to the forefront.