Professional Issues in Information Technology, 2nd Edition

14 INTERNET ISSUES

After studying this chapter, you should understand:

• the reasons why misuse of the internet gives cause for concern;
• the scope and limitations of the legislation that governs the use of the internet at present;
• why it is difficult to enact legislation that will effectively regulate the use of the internet.

14.1 THE EFFECTS OF THE INTERNET

The benefits that the internet has brought are almost universally recognised. It has made access to all sorts of information much easier. It has made it much easier for people to communicate with each other, on both an individual and a group basis. It has simplified and speeded up many types of commercial transaction. And, most importantly, these benefits have been made available to very ...