Abstract This paper discusses the the topic of deceptive identities in cyberspace, focusing on various related issues. This paper examines the idea of social identity or social self as central to this issue and argues that any identity that is reinforced by other people is truthful in cyberspace.
From the Paper "Changes in technology change the way in which we see societies operate. For example, in The Internet Edge Mark Stefik states, ...Vivid examples form the history of the past two Hundred years include canals, railroads, automobiles and interstate highways, aviation, the telegraph, telephones, radio, television, and communication satellites-all technologies of connection that radically improved means of transportation and communication. These technologies shrink distance and bring together people of different communities and cultures (Stefik 3). What this means is that changes in technology can have major effects on how we interact with each other and the world around us."
Abstract Lawrence Lessig, in "Cyberspace Constitution, Draft 1.1" argues that the Internet has lost its original unregulated-able architecture. In "The Digital Divide in the Liberal State: a Canadian Perspective", William F Birdsall argues that the digital divide will persist in Canada despite the efforts of both public policy and the market. Both writers are pessimistic in terms of the revolutionary potential of cyberspace.
Abstract This paper is about the growing problem of cyber misconduct nowadays. It discusses the accuracy of the information, the desires for privacy and confidentiality, and the demand for information access in cyberspace. It covers virtual communities and their purpose, digital literacy, and the language of Internet users in cyberspace.
From the Paper "The widespread availability of computers and Internet connections provides unprecedented opportunities to communicate and learn. Via a monitor, modem, and keypad we are able to inhabit a world surprisingly similar to the physical one that became known as cyberspace. Cyberspace is used to describe the whole range of information resources available through computer networks. As people started to meet and to form relationships with others in a cyberspace, the virtual communities emerged. "Virtual communities are the social aggregations that materialize from the network when a group of people engage in discussion long enough and with sufficient human feeling to form webs of interpersonal relationships" (Godwin 31)."
Abstract This paper explains that cyberspace is unlike any other community because anyone and everyone can be a member: Many argue that cyberspace is unrealistic and purposeless; while others argue that it is a wonderful way to create a personal identity and figure out who you are. The author points out that the anonymity of communicating online is very appealing to many people and is a useful mechanism for people to let off steam, explore ideas or fantasies and hide from social disapproval with a minimum of consequences. The paper relates that the solution to the problem of people feeling unprotected and violated online is to get over it: If someone is offended online--log off.
From the Paper "During my online "excursion," I visited many different chat rooms and had many different purposes for each one. In one chat room I chose to be esoteric, I joined the room but I didn't participate in the conversation; I just sat back and observed the many interactions taking place. Participating with my real-life persona is what I did in a different chat room. And in yet another chat room, I took on the role of a different character. The latter was a chat room for pregnant women, so my character was a very proud and anxious mother-to-be. I would like to be able to say that my experiences online were more eye-opening, intriguing, or entertaining, than my experiences in the "real world," but I can't. The differences between online communication and other forms of communication differed only slightly in my opinion."
Abstract This paper discusses how, as cyberspace is a communication system that surpasses all territorial boundaries and the users are free to access information from unknown physical locations, geographical borders should not apply in determining the proper jurisdiction for a cause of action. The paper contends that there must be an evolution of new and entirely independent rules to govern the jurisdiction on the net and that the countries in harmonization with each other must evolve a uniform law governing cyberspace jurisdiction.
Outline:
Introduction
Relation of Jurisdiction with State and Sovereignty
Determination of Jurisdiction
Analysis of Disputed Jurisdiction Cases
Conclusion and Suggestion
From the Paper "In nutshell sovereignty is founded upon the fact of territory and therefore without territory a legal person cannot be a state. The territorial jurisdiction of states and the jurisdictional limits of the municipal courts are still based on the territorial theory. According to this theory every state has jurisdiction over everything situated within and over every person present within the territories. Quid quid est in territorio es estian de territoria. This follows that the municipal courts have jurisdiction over person and every thing present within the jurisdiction. Another manifestation of the territorial theory is found on the principle of allegiance. This principle means that all those persons who are present within the jurisdiction owe allegiance to their state and it is their duty to obey its laws and orders wherever they might be. "
Abstract This paper provides a critical analysis of the different definitions of cyberspace offered by Elmer Dewitt and Michael E. Doherty and shows that both offer accurate definitions. It also examines how, when these definitions are added together and compared with others, they give a complete picture of the term denoting a virtual world, which imitates the activities and features of the real world.
From the Paper "Elmer Dewitt's definition of cyberspace is wider than Doherty's because it stresses that cyberspace is not just "the land of knowledge," (par. 6) but also a world that is created by human experiences. These experiences might be business, social or politics ones. My experience in the CNN.com chat room is just one side of cyberspace, a businessman's financial experiences are another side of it, and a student's experiences are even a third side. Cyberspace can be about information, economics, academic research or just social conversation. In other words, cyberspace has different definitions for different people. And, this is the justification for Dewitt's definition of cyberspace as "an experience, not a wiring system" (par. 6)."
Examines three articles regarding technology's impact on society today:
Neil Postman's "Science and the Story that We Need", V. Mosco and D. Foster's "Cyberspace and the End of Politics" and L. Winner's "Interview with Langdon Winner: Technology as Big M
Abstract The paper explores how the development and rise of mass media and mass communication has influenced our society. The paper looks at three texts that examine the promises, claims and the future of technology and information. This includes "Science and the Story that We Need" by Neil Postman, "Cyberspace and the End of Politics" by V. Mosco and D. Foster and "Interview with Langdon Winner: Technology as Big Magic and other Myths" by L. Winner. The paper compares these texts and argues that Winner's argument is most convincing, as he examines broader issues and potential problems that we may face in the future.
From the Paper "Neil Postman in his article "Science and the Story That We Need" claims that the technological advancements have solved the problem of information scarcity and the speed by which the information is exchanged. Our present technological level has managed to defeat the barriers of space, time and form. Indeed we all are aware how much the technological breakthroughs and media put emphasis on the speed and amount of information delivered. For example, the commercials for high speed Internet, for new computers, newspapers, TV news etc. are all based on the speed and amount of information delivered. However, Postman notes that this has created a new problem in that "our technological ingenuity transformed information into a form of garbage, and ourselves into garbage collectors." (Postman, 1997)"
Abstract This paper discusses the National Security Agency and the public rights in cyberspace that are being developed. By understanding how the security agency works with the ethical laws that are now being made, one can understand how laws come into being, and how this agency backs them up. The writer shows the reader that by knowing the laws of the land, the cyberspace issues that are at hand can be fully realized.
Abstract Compulsive behavior surrounds us daily, but when used with the Internet as a vehicle to feed individuals? compulsive behaviors, certain control features should be in place, whether it be government control or through private organizations. The paper focuses on compulsive behaviors exercised through the use of the Internet. Web surfing alone can be addictive and can be considered compulsive behavior when it interferes with one's daily life. This paper examines several growing activities in cyberspace, such as gambling and pornography, how information systems are used, and how this kind of activity impacts the audiences. The paper reveals the types of organizations that support, and those that oppose, excessive behavioral activities in cyberspace and summarizes their views and beliefs.
From the Paper "Pornography was once the province of magazines or rundown movie theaters. With the advent of the Internet, pornography can be created and distributed in a matter of minutes. While most agree that soft core pornography may be indecent, it has socially redeeming value as an example of freedom of speech. On the other hand, hard core pornography, or worse child pornography, may be created and distributed with equal ease to soft core pornography. When comparing soft core pornography to child pornography, one can easily see the opposite ends of the continuum between indecent behavior and obscene behavior. In other words, viewing soft core pornography may be seen as legal, but in poor taste. Viewing child pornography must been seen as obscene and illegal."
Abstract "Trademarks and domain names are a poor fit. One admits many users to a particular space, the other admits only one,? says Diane Cabell of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at the Harvard Law School. The paper critically examines this statement, while explaining how trademark and domain names disputes are resolved currently. The current practices involving cyberspace disputes are analyzed in terms of fairness and allocation of Internet resources of businesses. The paper also examines whether trademark laws should be applicable for resolving trademark and domain name disputes in cyberspace. Related case studies are highlighted and discussed.
From the Paper "When an individual applies for a trademark, the trademarks are subjected to restrictions before they can be registered. Domain names on the other hand are on a first-come first serve basis. There is no legislation over what can be registered. Domain name applicants don?t need to show that they are the rightful owners and that means anyone can register any available domain name. It is much like the Wild West where the fastest and strongest will be able to register that particular domain name. Given such anarchy in cyberspace, it shows the inherent difficulty in governance."
Abstract Eaglesham's article, "How Far Does Copyright Extend in Cyberspace?" explores many of the questions touched upon by Jeremy Rifkin in his chapter "A Postmodern Age." Rifkin discusses many facets of postmodernity, with a particular emphasis upon how the contemporary quantum leaps in communications have the potential to transform our understanding of reality: "Great changes in human consciousness have always accompanied changes in the forms of communications" (Rifkin, 103).
Abstract John Milton, in his 17th century essay "Areopagitica", is widely regarded as having written one of history's "noblest vindication of intellectual liberty ever penned" (Morison, 93) with respect to the issue of freedom of speech over printed text. Similarly, the 21st century ACLU online article "Fahrenheit 451.2: Is Cyberspace Burning?" also appears to present an argument in favour of freedom of speech. The primary difference between Milton's argument and that of the ACLU appears to be simply one of different mediums for information access. This paper will argue, however, that Milton's argument differs significantly from that of the ACLU in that Milton never actually advocates freedom of the press. Rather, as will be seen, Milton argues in favour of denying the state the possibility of placing "previous restraint" upon the publication of information. Within this context, Milton supported the possibility of the state banning books or prosecuting writers after publication. The key difference between Milton's view and that of the ACLU is that the latter group advocates a much more sweeping approach to the idea of freedom of speech from all prosecution. However, with respect to the issue of "blocking" access to sites, it is clear that both the ACLU and Milton would be in agreement. As will be argued, the insertion of "blocking" technology clearly places "previous restraint" upon information.
Abstract This paper will discuss "Code and Other Laws in Cyberspace" by Lawrence Lessig. By analyzing the ethical nature of the internet through the laws that are currently being made around it, we can evaluate its development.
An examination of both sides of the Internet privacy issue, focusing on the effect of specific court rulings and recent laws regarding privacy rights on the Internet.
Abstract This paper discusses how Internet and information technology have given rise to new techniques of investigation and new forms of surveillance and how law enforcement officials view these as powerful tools in the fight against terrorism and cybercrime. It looks at how government and corporate interests have successfully increased surveillance powers over the Internet and cyberspace and the implications of these new powers for privacy rights.
Outline
Security and Corporate Interests
Big Brother
Common Ground
From the Paper "For privacy advocates, these laws expanding law enforcement authority and court rulings regarding piracy and copyright have dealt tremendous blows to individual civil liberties regarding online and Internet activities. The EFF argues, for example that the Patriot Act "expands surveillance while reducing checks and balances." As a result, the government may spy on innocuous activities such as web surfing, even on Americans who are not specific targets of investigation. In addition, the Patriot Act's provisions regarding reciprocity allow foreign intelligence agencies to spy on American people's activities online (EFF 2001)."
Abstract This paper discusses how criminals today are using modern technology to prey on innocent victims and how computers and the Internet have made the predator's job easier. It looks at how, in the past, child predators found their victims in public places where children tend to gather, such as schoolyards, playgrounds, and shopping malls, and how, today, they have a new place in cyberspace to target children for criminal acts. It looks at how the Internet must be monitored and investigated to prevent crimes against children. It discusses the topic of Internet child-luring and sexual crimes in an effort to determine how the Internet can be used as an investigative tool to prevent these types of crimes.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
About Internet Child Luring
How the Internet Enables Pedophilia and Internet Child Luring
Protecting Children from Internet Crime
Agencies that Combat Internet Child Luring and Sexual Crimes
Using the Internet as an Investigative Tool to Stop Cybercrime Against Children
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Innovative Internet technology gives pedophiles the opportunity to exchange information about children in an organized environment (Faulkner, 1997). By using the Internet, they can meet in chat rooms and educate one another on how to commit this crime. Over the Internet, pedophiles exchange plans and ideas about how to meet, attract, and exploit children, -- and how to lure the parents of these children into a false sense of security about their presence within the family structure. Many Internet sites host online "How To" seminar in pedophilia activities, whether the site managers know it or not."
