Central points of control and surveillance on a “decentralized” Net: Internet service providers, and privacy and freedom of speech online

Abstract

This paper focuses on the complex nature of privacy and freedom of speech issues as they arise at the ISP. It addresses these critical issues by way of an examination of multiple specific contemporary examples and legal cases. Also discussed are a number of different approaches to more clearly define the status of the ISP and its multi‐faceted functions. Finally, some of the possible implications of various proposals for regulatory and legal schemes are examined. The author concludes that ultimately any such scheme must foreground the integral role that the ISP plays with respect to fundamental privacy and free speech rights on the Internet.

Citation

Demont‐Heinrich, C. (2002), "Central points of control and surveillance on a “decentralized” Net: Internet service providers, and privacy and freedom of speech online", info, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 32-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690210446792