Given below are two statements:

Statement I: The centralised control of signs and symbols of mediated communication may affect plurality of opinions on the Internet.

Statement II: The global corporate owners of Internet companies aim only at profits, not the existence of pluriverse.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

The correct option is: Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

Explanation of Statement I:
Statement I states: "The centralised control of signs and symbols of mediated communication may affect plurality of opinions on the Internet."
This statement is true. Mediated communication online relies heavily on digital signs, symbols, algorithms, and platforms that curate content. When control over these digital symbols and communication channels is centralized within a few dominant platforms or regulatory authorities, they possess the power to filter, prioritize, or restrict information. This centralization can create echo chambers, filter bubbles, or lead to algorithmic bias, which ultimately reduces the diversity (plurality) of viewpoints and opinions accessible to internet users.

Explanation of Statement II:
Statement II states: "The global corporate owners of Internet companies aim only at profits, not the existence of pluriverse."
This statement is false. While generating profit is a primary driver for global corporate internet entities, claiming they aim only at profits is an oversimplification. Many internet corporations also actively pursue corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, invest in community building, support open-source technologies, and implement policies designed to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (a pluriverse of voices). Therefore, stating that their objectives are exclusively financial, to the complete exclusion of supporting a pluriverse, is factually incorrect.