Transparency of Policies and Practices

Abstract

This chapter discusses the problem of transparency about government policies and practice in governing cyberspace. Drawing from social contract theorist, especially Immanuel Kant, it argues for relinquishing the quest for power and control over cyberspace, which is by its nature a “global commons” and instead moving toward international cooperation (a “community of ends”) in transparently creating the regulations governing cyberspace. To this purpose, a global internet forum is proposed for creating a comprehensive set of policies and practices in cyberspace, which rational beings would be accept. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the role of the media in informing open, international dialog.