The Exclusivity of Ultrafast Communication Networks

Custers B.H.M. (2008), The Exclusivity of Ultrafast Communication Networks, Journal of International Commercial Law and Technology 3(4): 247-253

7 Pages Posted: 4 Oct 2017

See all articles by Bart Custers

Bart Custers

Leiden University - Center for Law and Digital Technologies

Date Written: 2008

Abstract

Efforts are being made to develop a new generation of communication networks, based on ultrafast optical communication. This is likely to result in a significant increase in the speed and volume of information transfer on communication networks such as the Internet. However, the introduction of these new types of networks also requires more from its users. Because these new networks are more sophisticated, there are likely to be more costs involved and users have to be more knowledgeable about the new technologies in order to be able to use them. Such requirements in both costs and knowledge may prevent groups of people from access to the networks. If larger groups of people are excluded from the networks, social polarization may result.

Another effect of exclusive networks may be the limited number of providers of structure and content, which might lead to manipulation of the information provided. In this contribution, the effects of exclusive ultrafast communication networks are discussed and some suggestions are made on how to deal with this.

Keywords: Internet, Ethics, Ultrafast Communication, Networks, Social Polarization, Manipulation of Information

Suggested Citation

Custers, Bart, The Exclusivity of Ultrafast Communication Networks (2008). Custers B.H.M. (2008), The Exclusivity of Ultrafast Communication Networks, Journal of International Commercial Law and Technology 3(4): 247-253, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3047174

Bart Custers (Contact Author)

Leiden University - Center for Law and Digital Technologies ( email )

2300 RA Leiden, NL-2300RA
Netherlands

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