‘Governance by Things’ as a Challenge to Regulation by Law

Internet Policy Review, 5(2). DOI: 10.14763/2016.2.409.

HIIG Discussion Paper Series No. 2017-01

28 Pages Posted: 17 Feb 2017

See all articles by Wolfgang Schulz

Wolfgang Schulz

Hans-Bredow-Institute for Media Research; Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

Kevin Dankert

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society; Hans-Bredow-Institute for Media Research

Date Written: June 30, 2016

Abstract

In this paper the authors examine how the rise of the Internet of Things will challenge regulatory structures. Coming from the idea of “code as law” the shift from technology governing online spaces to physical spaces is described as a new phenomenon. They call it ‘Governance by Things’. Some key observations of this structural shift are characterised in this article, for instance regarding its self-executing character and the imperfection of technology. Finally, the authors draw the conclusion that the ‘Governance by Things’ calls for a second-order regulation.

Keywords: Governance by Things, Internet of things, Regulation, Private ordering

Suggested Citation

Schulz, Wolfgang and Dankert, Kevin and Dankert, Kevin, ‘Governance by Things’ as a Challenge to Regulation by Law (June 30, 2016). Internet Policy Review, 5(2). DOI: 10.14763/2016.2.409., HIIG Discussion Paper Series No. 2017-01, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2919238

Wolfgang Schulz (Contact Author)

Hans-Bredow-Institute for Media Research ( email )

Rothenbaumchaussee 36
Hamburg, 20148
Germany

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

Kevin Dankert

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

Hans-Bredow-Institute for Media Research ( email )

Rothenbaumchaussee 36
Hamburg, 20148
Germany

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