Would Global Rules for the Internet Undermine Its Dynamism?

1970 Words8 Pages
Would global rules for the internet undermine its dynamism? The implications of the Internet for the established notions of governance and jurisdiction are complex, but in fact point to a very crucial issue: the Internets dynamism and how to regulate it. Why is the Internet dynamic? Above all, the Internet offers global presence. ‘Everywhereness’ is possibly the most distinguishing feature of the dynamism of the Internet. Geography is an irrelevant factor for Internet users, hence regulating it has legal and jurisdictional dilemmas. No particular nation or institution has power over it. Without a doubt, this dispersed nature has been one of the predominant attributes of Internet dynamism, but has also raised serious problems. Undoubtedly, the Internet has led to a spectacular outburst of human innovation, but its dynamism has frustrated any effort to regulate it, hold cybercriminals responsible, and resolve conflicts (Mueller, 2010, pp. 175-176). What makes matters more complicated is the fact that several nations and jurisdictions also seek justice and someone to be held responsible when their legal principles or societal standards are violated (Thierer & Crews, 2003, p. 16). New, innovative technologies can pose problems for policymakers, who often try to control these when they have little knowledge regarding them. The Internet has been particularly challenging for drafting successful and effective policies due to its affordability, accessibility, and inclusiveness. It was impossible for appropriate policies to follow with the same speed. Policymakers have been trying to mitigate the adverse outcomes of Internet dynamism. It is the aim of this essay to demonstrate that global rules for the Internet would not undermine its dynamism; in fact, they would safeguard and reinforce it. Not just any kind of rules can secure its dynamism though.

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