Networks of Governance: Users, Platforms, and the Challenges of Networked Media Regulation

International Journal of Technology Policy and Law, Vol. 2 No. 1 (2013, Forthcoming)

15 Pages Posted: 9 Apr 2013

See all articles by Kate Crawford

Kate Crawford

AI Now Institute; Microsoft Research

Catharine Lumby

Department of Media, Music, Communication and Cultural Studies, Macquarie University

Date Written: February 6, 2013

Abstract

We conducted a study of Australia’s media content regulation system in the context of three major Federal Government reviews of media law and policy (Australian Law Reform Commission, 2012; Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, 2012; Finkelstein, 2012). The current system understands governance as the work of government and industry, and either minimises or overlooks the role of users, the context of platforms, and the scope of participation. In this article, we assess the weaknesses in the current framework, and look both critically and pragmatically at the role users can play in media content governance. By drawing on the Australian situation as a case study, we consider the wider problem of governance within networked media spaces and the tensions between users, algorithms, platforms, industries, and nation states. Finally, we argue for the development of stronger theoretical model of ‘civic media governance’, based on principles of radical pluralism that can better account for dissent and dissonance.

Keywords: network governance, media regulation, platforms, civic media, pluralism

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Suggested Citation

Crawford, Kate and Lumby, Catharine, Networks of Governance: Users, Platforms, and the Challenges of Networked Media Regulation (February 6, 2013). International Journal of Technology Policy and Law, Vol. 2 No. 1 (2013, Forthcoming), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2246772

Kate Crawford (Contact Author)

AI Now Institute ( email )

60 5th Ave
8th floor
New York, NY New York 10011
United States

Microsoft Research ( email )

641 Avenue of the Americas
641 Avenue of the Americas, level 7
New York, NY NY 10011
United States

Catharine Lumby

Department of Media, Music, Communication and Cultural Studies, Macquarie University ( email )

Macquarie University
Sydney, NSW 2109
Australia
61298502156 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://catharinelumby.com

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