Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle For Internet Freedom by Rebecca MacKinnon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the era of SOPA, PIPA, warrantless wiretapping, for-profit social media sites and more, this is a must-read book.
In the U.S., Europe, China, Iran and elsewhere, Rebecca MacKinnon tackles issues that boi down to the need for an "Internet bill of rights," sometimes vis-a-vis big government, and sometimes vis-a-vis big business. She also notes some of the conundrums this involves, like big government trying to regulate big business, western Internet-related companies selling equipment (Cisco and routers a classic example) to repressive government, Internet platforms cozying up to said governments and more.
The bottom line is, as MacKinnon makes clear, even if answers aren't easy, we need answers. We need them in specific legal and regulatory form. And we need them soon.
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A skeptical leftist's, or post-capitalist's, or eco-socialist's blog, including skepticism about leftism (and related things under other labels), but even more about other issues of politics. Free of duopoly and minor party ties. Also, a skeptical look at Gnu Atheism, religion, social sciences, more.
Note: Labels can help describe people but should never be used to pin them to an anthill.
As seen at Washington Babylon and other fine establishments
March 02, 2012
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