Title: A Deference to Protocol: Fashioning a Three-Dimensional Public Policy Framework for the Internet Era
Abstract: This paper discusses how public policy grounded in the Internet’s architecture can best ensure that the Net fully enables tangible benefits such as innovation, economic growth, free expression, and user empowerment. In particular, recognizing that the Internet is rapidly becoming society’s chief operating system, this paper shows how an overarching public policy framework should be faithful to the multifaceted nature of the online world. As part of such a framework, this paper will explore one key aspect of the Internet: the “logical” Middle Layers functions, its inner workings derived from open software protocols. Adhering to the deferential principle of “respect the functional integrity of the Internet,” in combination with the appropriate institutional and organizational implements, can help ensure that any potential regulation of Internet-based activities enables, rather than hinders, tangible and intangible benefits for end users.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 10
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot