Abstract/Details

A First Amendment case for Internet broadband network neutrality

Bagwell, Dana D.   University of Washington ProQuest Dissertations Publishing,  2010. 3421533.

Abstract (summary)

Broadband Internet network neutrality regulation would prohibit high-speed network operators from blocking or favoring particular Internet content or applications. The goal of such regulation is to assure that Internet users—not network owners—choose which online information survives in the marketplace of ideas. Effectively, network neutrality rules would assure users can access the information of their choosing without restriction.

This research draws upon the history of telecommunications and electronic media regulation to position the network neutrality proposal in the context of layered network regulation. It is argued that network neutrality constitutes regulation at the Internet's logical layer, or the layer where the information flows from publisher to user. The research draws upon the work of Jerome Barron and his media access proposal, repositioning the idea of access to coincide with the needs of users in the Internet age—access to information rather than access to the press. The dissertation then analyzes the First Amendment fungibility of this reconceptualized access ideal.

The research concludes that the First Amendment provides a constitutional basis for network neutrality rules. Specifically, a series of precedents beginning in the 1940s provides support for the government to create and enforce regulations that limit the rights of network owners to block the flow of information. The precedents show that the public's rights to information trump the rights of network owners to exert complete control over information flow when certain conditions are met. Namely, regulations may not constitute censorship, there must be a strong government interest in assuring access to the information, and regulation must occur at the network's logical layer. Network neutrality rules fulfill these criteria and should stand up to First Amendment scrutiny.

Indexing (details)


Subject
Law;
Mass communications
Classification
0398: Law
0708: Mass communications
Identifier / keyword
Communication and the arts; Social sciences; Broadband; First Amendment; Internet; Media regulation; Network neutrality; Telecommunications
Title
A First Amendment case for Internet broadband network neutrality
Author
Bagwell, Dana D.
Number of pages
201
Degree date
2010
School code
0250
Source
DAI-A 71/10, Dissertation Abstracts International
Place of publication
Ann Arbor
Country of publication
United States
ISBN
978-1-124-21370-5
Advisor
Kielbowicz, Richard B.
University/institution
University of Washington
University location
United States -- Washington
Degree
Ph.D.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
3421533
ProQuest document ID
755264959
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/docview/755264959