Contract Versus Statute in Internet Governance

Edward Elgar, RESEARCH HANDBOOK ON GOVERNANCE OF THE INTERNET, Ian Brown, ed., Cheltenham, 2012

University of Oslo Faculty of Law Research Paper No. 2011-34

25 Pages Posted: 24 Oct 2011

See all articles by Lee A. Bygrave

Lee A. Bygrave

Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law - Law Faculty, University of Oslo

Date Written: October 24, 2011

Abstract

The chapter examines the respective role of contract and statute in governance of the Internet along with the reasons for each role. In doing so, it charts the interaction of each type of instrument, particularly the ways in which each is used in the other’s service and the ways in which they are in conflict. The chapter shows that contract is often preferred over statute because it enables flexible micro-management of the digital environment more easily than statute does. However, the chapter also shows that the relative roles played by each instrument are fluid and that in particular contexts statute is assuming an increasingly salient position. Nonetheless, it is argued that the prospects of any new statutory overlay being introduced which dramatically overshadows or reduces the role of contract in the field are generally slim, especially at the international level.

Keywords: Internet governance

Suggested Citation

Bygrave, Lee A., Contract Versus Statute in Internet Governance (October 24, 2011). Edward Elgar, RESEARCH HANDBOOK ON GOVERNANCE OF THE INTERNET, Ian Brown, ed., Cheltenham, 2012, University of Oslo Faculty of Law Research Paper No. 2011-34, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1948518

Lee A. Bygrave (Contact Author)

Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law - Law Faculty, University of Oslo ( email )

PO Box 6706 St Olavsplass
Oslo, 0130
Norway

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