Social Contract for the Internet Community? Historical and Philosophical Theories for Inclusion of the Civil Society
The civil society is concerned by decisions taken in the context of the Internet. Netizens should therefore also be able to express their opinions and participate in decision-making processes. Since the right to freedom of expression is relevant in all policy matters, opportunities are to be created for the civil society to actually express its view. The heterogeneity of Internet users originating from different geographical zones, linguistic areas, and cultural backgrounds leads to very different conceptions related to the organization of the Internet. However, decisions need to be supported by a large part of the Internet community in order to ensure its effective functioning. By introducing participation possibilities for the civil society enhancing accountability, stability, and sustainability of the Internet community, integration and harmonization of netizens will be increased. Furthermore, the enhancement of information flows between the members of the civil society, based on adequate information provided for by the governing body, which allows the public to form an opinion and participate in negotiations, and the effective bridging of information asymmetries can help to avoid arbitrary or discriminatory decisions because an informed civil society is able to brand such behavior. By realizing transparency about decision-making processes and by letting the public participate in these processes, active involvement of the civil society can be encouraged. Therefore, efforts should be undertaken to look for a method of consensus building which includes all interested parties and creates the opportunity to make decisions acceptable for as large a part of the civil community as possible. Notwithstanding the fact that the Internet society is a newly emerging civil society, considerations taken into account in earlier contexts can lead to valuable lessons. In this respect, a theory which seems to offer a feasible approach encompasses the concept of a so-called “social contract” that is historically and philosophically addressing issues of the civil society’s participation
Year of publication: |
2016
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Authors: | Weber, Rolf H. ; Weber, Romana |
Publisher: |
[S.l.] : SSRN |
Saved in:
freely available
Extent: | 1 Online-Ressource (17 p) |
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Series: | |
Type of publication: | Book / Working Paper |
Language: | English |
Notes: | Nach Informationen von SSRN wurde die ursprüngliche Fassung des Dokuments 2008 erstellt |
Other identifiers: | 10.2139/ssrn.2798970 [DOI] |
Source: | ECONIS - Online Catalogue of the ZBW |
Persistent link: https://www.econbiz.de/10014126707
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