Internet Red Light Districts: A Domain Name Proposal for Regulatory Zoning of Obscene Content

16 Pages Posted: 30 Jul 2021

See all articles by April M. Barton

April M. Barton

Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University

Date Written: 1997

Abstract

The Internet has a relatively short, yet rich history of free speech and independence from governance. While this independence is an important part of the Internet's past, it has become increasingly clear that the Internet must somehow be regulated in order to ensure stability to the Internet community and viability as a communications medium. Without regulation the Internet will eventually nullify its own legitimacy as an effective and reputable mode of communication. It is this negative effect which serves as the impetus for Internet governance that is proposed in this article.

Keywords: free speech, zoning, Internet, online, cyberspace, regulation, Domain Name System, DNS, governance, pornography, obscenity, decency, neighborhoods, classification, content, credible information, legitimacy

Suggested Citation

Barton, April M., Internet Red Light Districts: A Domain Name Proposal for Regulatory Zoning of Obscene Content (1997). Duquesne University School of Law Research Paper, John Marshall Journal of Computer & Information Law, Vol. 16, No. 1, 1997, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3894524

April M. Barton (Contact Author)

Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University ( email )

600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
United States

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