Legal Issues - Conceptions Of Cyberlaw

CONCEPTIONS OF CYBERLAW

Some observers have asserted that cyberlaw does not exist, since few of the legal issues raised by the Internet are novel and few branches of law are determined by technology. However, others argue that cyberspace should be considered different from real space, as far as legal issues are concerned. Furthermore, since the Internet transcends territorial boundaries, it renders territorially based laws obsolete. They predict that cyberlaw will become a new form of transnational law, ushering in greater standardization of Internet-related legal regulations worldwide to accommodate e-commerce, globalization, and the spread of western, democratic ideals. Some view this as the opportunity for greater freedoms, security, and prosperity to be extended to more people around the globe. Others, however, fear that such a trend will infringe on national sovereignty and legal jurisdictions. Finally, they caution that cyberlaw will benefit the interests of large, multinational businesses and police surveillance, rather than the civil liberties of individual citizens.