Should Congress Regulate Cyberspace

Authors

Greg Y. Sato

Abstract

The Internet has undergone an amazing transformation in recent years. It has evolved from being a medium used exclusively by "techies" to one of general public consumption and utility. Because of this increased interest in and use of the Internet, cyberspace is quickly becoming an important forum for communication and commerce.

This Note discusses the history of the Internet, what makes it unique, and the current state of the law relating to cyberspace. This Note also examines the issue of whether congressional regulation of the Internet is needed. The author suggests that some intervention by Congress is needed because current Internet-related case law is ambiguous and because the government has an interest in regulating electronic commerce and controlling the availability of encryption. However, the author cautions that regulation that is too extensive will have a detrimental effect on the growth of the Internet and will become obsolete quickly.

Recommended Citation

Greg Y. Sato, Should Congress Regulate Cyberspace, 20 UC Law SF Comm. & Ent. L.J. 699 (1998).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_comm_ent_law_journal/vol20/iss3/7