Matwyshyn, Andrea --- "The new intermediation: contract, identity, and the future of internet governance" [2013] ELECD 532; in Brown, Ian (ed), "Research Handbook on Governance of the Internet" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013) 401

Book Title: Research Handbook on Governance of the Internet

Editor(s): Brown, Ian

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781849805025

Section: Chapter 16

Section Title: The new intermediation: contract, identity, and the future of internet governance

Author(s): Matwyshyn, Andrea

Number of pages: 18

Abstract/Description:

From early in the existence of the internet, users’ interactions have been mediated by third parties – intermediaries. But, just as internet content has evolved over time, so too has the role of intermediaries. Three trends in intermediation in particular are impacting the future of internet governance: invisibility, blended virtual-real space intermediation, and digital identity intermediation. The future of internet governance depends in part on recognizing these trends and generating a consensus on fairness in intermediary commercial conduct. In particular, we must consider the role of contract law as a tool of governance and user identity intermediation.