Thursday 27 December 2012

Do Internet Lawmakers Also Need To Know About Internet Service Providers?

By Judy Densient


This year has definitely had its share of news stories regarding high speed internet and how it's being used to commit all kinds of online crime. While most of us enjoy our internet connections for the purposes of getting more information about products and services or just to keep in touch with friends and family, it appears that the law has been under constant assault.

There has been much skepticism about those in charge of the further regulation of the internet. Some say that these people don't know how to use the internet or even know how it works, and so are announcing plans with irrational expectations of what can be done. This may have something to do with how much technology these individuals have been exposed to.

Many of those in charge of making the internet rules are what are known as digital immigrants, or those to whom technology was introduced in their later years. So while a digital immigrant may be fluent in computer applications, they may still not understand the limitations of internet service providers to help regulate internet law.

While there is nothing that can be done to make a digital immigrant more fluent in their knowledge and skill, the introduction of digital natives into internet law enforcement may help. Digital natives grew up with technology, and so have intimate knowledge of the workings of internet service providers in your area. This means that they understand the limitations faced by these companies, which heightens the likelihood that their ideas for enforcement will be feasible.

Something that is also being discussed among digital natives and immigrants alike is the cycle of fear that can result from those not fluent in internet services being in charge of making internet law. We fear what we do not understand, and those who don't understand how the internet works may very well be ultimately creating more panic among the public than is necessary.

It's this type of irrational fear that has many worried, for should it reach the masses via their individual internet service, it could end up doing more damage than good. Countering irrational fear of internet-based activities with real-world knowledge and experience could be a very efficient way of calming any panic that could get in the way of real solutions.




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