Three Myths of Internet Governance: Making Sense of Networks, Governance and Regulation

The Internet is a global medium that defies and sometimes even replaces established media, yet ideas about it are largely biased by a U.S. perspective. This book draws on European and African examples to challenge three established myths about the Internet: that the market can decide its future path; that the Internet is different from “legacy” media; and that national governance is unimportant. Based on extensive empirical research (including interviews and participant observation in international governance at a United Nations World Summit), Three Myths of Internet Governance will appeal to media studies scholars and students, policy makers, and regulators.

Richard Collins is professor of media studies at the Open University. He was formerly deputy directory of the British Film Institute and is the author or editor of many books, including Media and Identity in Contemporary Europe: Consequences of Global Convergence, also published by Intellect Books.