Freedom in the Days of the Internet: Regulating, Legislating and Liberating the Internet While Protecting Rights and Unlocking Potentials

Abstract

Over the last three decades, Europe has transformed itself from an industrial society into an information society. The Internet has opened up new possibilities for innovation, social interaction and democratic participation. However, the Internet has also given rise to new societal issues such as cybercrime, the invasion of privacy, the curbing of free speech and infringement of intellectual property. These issues raise questions of a moral, ethical and legal nature. The goal of this study is to examine these issues in light of current technological, economic and societal developments.