Regulating cyberspace: concepts and controversies

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of some issues and controversies surrounding arguments for regulating cyberspace.

The paper begins with a brief investigation of some background questions such as “What is cyberspace?” and “What is meant by ‘regulation’?” It then considers some distinctions between descriptive and normative aspects of questions involving internet regulation. Next, the paper examines Lawrence Lessig's model, which describes four modes of regulation that can be applied to cyberspace. The paper then considers some recent controversies that have emerged because of “regulation by code” and the “privatization of information policy.”

Cyberspace regulation raises ethical concerns.

Internet regulation is evolving.

The way cyberspace is viewed, either as a “place” or as a “medium,” affects how it will be regulated.