I am in favor of complete freedom of information and of free

Opening Scene – Narrated by Host

The bright, sterile glow of the laptop screen illuminated the small coffee shop table. Outside, the world was bustling with the typical noise of the city — the faint hum of conversations, the sound of cars passing by, and the occasional clink of a bicycle bell. Inside, the smell of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air, blending with the soft jazz playing in the background. Jack and Jeeny sat across from one another, their laptops open, the soft clicking of keys filling the spaces between their words.

Jeeny: (Her voice curious, but a little amused as she looks over at Jack)
"You ever think about how much has changed in the past few decades when it comes to how we access information? Omar Bongo once said, ‘I am in favor of complete freedom of information and of free access to the new communication tools, in particular the Internet.’ Imagine that kind of openness, the ability to learn, share, and connect without barriers.”

Jack: (His voice slightly dismissive, his gaze still on the screen in front of him)
"Yeah, I get the appeal of it. But don’t you think there’s a point where too much information becomes overwhelming? We have the whole world at our fingertips, but it’s like we’ve lost the ability to discern what’s worth knowing and what’s just noise."

Host: The hum of conversation around them seems to fade as Jeeny’s words echo in the air, filling the space between them. The digital world, both vast and intimate, is a silent participant in their conversation, its presence felt in every click, every scroll, every search. The idea of complete freedom of information seems to hover in the background, elusive yet immediate, like the screen in front of them.

Jeeny: (Her voice gentle, but firm as she turns to face him)
"That’s exactly the point though, Jack. Information, at its core, is a tool. It’s not the tool that’s the problem — it’s how we choose to use it. Free access to information, like the Internet, means we get to make informed decisions. We get to see the full picture, not just the pieces someone else wants us to see. It’s about empowerment."

Jack: (His voice soft, yet with a hint of skepticism)
"But isn’t it dangerous, too? With no filters, no boundaries? There’s so much misinformation out there. Anyone can say anything. That doesn’t always feel like empowerment — it feels like a flood of chaos."

Host: The quiet hum of the café fills the space between them, but the deeper truth of their conversation seems to linger, suspended in the air. Access to information has always been a double-edged sword. The freedom to share and learn has created a world where both knowledge and misinformation coexist, each equally potent. Jeeny's voice brings clarity, but Jack’s words hold a shadow of doubt.

Jeeny: (Her expression softens, but her voice remains steady)
"It’s true, there’s a lot of noise. But we can’t deny the power that comes with freedom of access. With the right tools, we can cut through the clutter. We have the chance to challenge outdated systems, to hold power accountable, to redefine what it means to be informed. The Internet isn’t perfect, but it’s a starting point for people to reclaim their voice."

Jack: (Pausing, his gaze now a little more reflective)
"Yeah, I see that. But then what happens when everyone has the ability to speak? Does it become about credibility, or does it just become about volume? If everyone has a platform, who gets to decide what’s true?"

Host: The café continues to hum, the background noise fading into a rhythm that feels like the pulse of a larger conversation. Jack’s question hangs in the air, as if the very question of truth and authority — of what information is worthy of being heard — is the central issue at play. Jeeny sits back, considering, her eyes scanning the digital world in front of them.

Jeeny: (Her voice thoughtful, as she looks at him with a quiet understanding)
"That’s the challenge, Jack. But having a platform isn’t enough. The real power comes from responsibility. We can’t just rely on others to tell us what’s true. We have to learn to be critical, to ask questions, to seek out information from diverse sources. The internet gives us the tools, but it’s up to us to use them wisely. It’s about choosing to be informed, to sift through the noise, and to understand the world on our own terms."

Jack: (A small nod, his tone quieter now, the skepticism slowly ebbing away)
"Right. It’s not just about having access. It’s about how we engage with it. The Internet can be a tool for change, for learning, but it’s up to us to make it work. We can’t let ourselves get lost in the noise."

Host: The air around them seems to settle, the quiet hum of the café a backdrop to their realization. The world of digital information, so vast and complex, is like the space they occupy now — filled with possibilities, but also with responsibility. The challenge of freedom, of access to knowledge, lies not just in having the tools, but in knowing how to use them effectively, how to listen and learn amidst the overwhelming surge of voices.

Jeeny: (Her smile small but knowing, her voice filled with a quiet strength)
“Exactly, Jack. It’s about empowerment, but also about accountability. The internet gives us the chance to make informed choices, but we have to make sure we’re using that freedom wisely. It’s not about the quantity of information — it’s about the quality of how we engage with it.”

Jack: (A smirk playing at the corners of his lips, his voice now genuine)
"Yeah, I think I’m starting to get it. Information is freedom, but responsibility comes with it. We can shape the world we want, as long as we’re aware of how we engage with it."

Host: The clicking of keys fills the space once more as both Jack and Jeeny return to their work, the conversation shifting into a quiet contemplation. The digital world sprawls out before them, vast and full of promise. They both know that the tools they have — the freedom to learn, to share, to grow — are only as powerful as their willingness to use them wisely.

End Scene.