Legal aspects of Internet governance reform

Abstract

The Internet has moved on from its early almost lawless nature. There are now multiple organisations and legal aspects associated with Internet governance. Whether the issue on the Internet is network security, intellectual property rights (IPRs), e-commerce, cybercrime, freedom of expression, freedom of information, consumer rights or liberalisation of infrastructure – rules, laws and norms apply. These can be formal laws, treaties, industry standards or rules of procedure on both national and international level. On the legislative front there are too many national laws from too many countries that have effect on Internet governances beyond their borders, hence effective global cooperation on jurisdictional issues is necessary to ensure an enabling environment for the growth of the Internet and use of the Internet and ICTs for economic growth and development. A framework-approach to legal-reform issues of Internet governance could be the best way forward.