What does "Prior Censorship" involve?

Prior censorship refers to the act of preventing publication or dissemination of material before it occurs, typically by a governing body or authority. This process involves reviewing content before it reaches the public to determine whether it meets certain standards or regulations, often based on concerns related to public safety, national security, or moral decency.

The concept is significant in discussions about freedom of expression, as it contrasts sharply with post-publication censorship, where content is removed or altered after it has been made public. Prior censorship raises critical questions about the balance between the authority's responsibility to maintain order and the rights of individuals to express themselves freely.