Intellectual Property, innovation and the governance of the internet

Abstract

I discuss both the causes and consequences of the Internet being squeezed by copyright proponents. The striking fact is that while this squeeze has a broad and negative impact on society broadly, it brings very little benefit to the copyright proponents. The implication for the governance of the Internet is clear: a small minority who derive little benefit in an effort that imposes great costs on everyone else should not have a role in governance.