Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- List of Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1 Historical Framework
- 2 Technological Framework
- 3 Theoretical Framework
- 4 Agent's Responsibility
- 5 Readers' Responsibility
- 6 Responsibility of Internet Service Providers and Web-Hosting Services, Part I: Rationale and Principles
- 7 Responsibility of Internet Service Providers and Web-Hosting Services, Part II: Applications
- 8 State Responsibility
- 9 International Responsibility
- Conclusion
- Glossary
- Selected Bibliography
- Index
Conclusion
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 July 2015
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- List of Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1 Historical Framework
- 2 Technological Framework
- 3 Theoretical Framework
- 4 Agent's Responsibility
- 5 Readers' Responsibility
- 6 Responsibility of Internet Service Providers and Web-Hosting Services, Part I: Rationale and Principles
- 7 Responsibility of Internet Service Providers and Web-Hosting Services, Part II: Applications
- 8 State Responsibility
- 9 International Responsibility
- Conclusion
- Glossary
- Selected Bibliography
- Index
Summary
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
–Edmund Burke
It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.
–Roy Disney
One of my students told me that he does not go to the movies anymore. I wondered why, and the student explained that going to the movies requires coordination (he does not like to go alone), money, and time, dictated by the movie theatre. It is too resource consuming. When I want to watch a movie, elucidated the student, I download it from the Internet, watch it at my leisure, and it does not cost me a penny. Because I do not like to sit for a long time without moving, I can stop the movie anytime I wish, go about my business, and resume watching the movie at will. Cinema is passé.
The Internet is a success story thanks to its open architecture and globally interoperable standards. It has affected virtually every aspect of society. The Internet has changed the way people study, conduct research, shop, travel, and promote their business. The Internet has changed industries, from culture and entertainment (books, music, movies) to commerce and banking. It is a quotidian network of interconnected multilayered networks. Unlike most communication media, Internet technology is based on global and non proprietary principles. Its complex structure is the result of freedom and ability to engage in innovation.
The Internet encourages connectivity, communication, and creativity. Many people contribute to the Internet in various ways. We post ideas, blog, upload photos and video clips, write texts, organize petitions, and comment on others’ contributions. The community of Netusers is vast and growing. What we need is to transform Netusers into Netcitizens – that is, Netusers with a sense of responsibility. And we need to reconcile Internet innovation, continued growth, and speed with society's best interests and security.
Throughout history, each major innovation in communications technology has caused distress and confusion similar to what society is experiencing today with the Internet.
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- Confronting the Internet's Dark SideMoral and Social Responsibility on the Free Highway, pp. 307 - 326Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2015