Media Law and Internet Governance

Our research mostly concerns questions linked with the media used for the dissemination of online speech, electronic commerce or other transactions.

Traditionally, communications law has been central in our research.  The first research studies are from the beginning of the 1980s, i.e. before the telecommunications monopoly was removed, and these studies have been significant for the development of a modern legal regime in this field.  Nevertheless, traditional paper-based media (e.g. newspapers, publishing houses) are also of interest as well as broadcasting where inter alia the development characterized as “convergence” – the breaking down of traditional divisions between media – creates challenges.  In recent years, Internet governance, i.e. the management of the Internet, has also gained great importance.  Research is carried out both on traditional legal issues as well as on the organization of business activities, relevant institutions, etc., and often has an international or comparative character.

 
Media law is closely linked with the right to free speech, not least to freedom of expression and its regulation.  It is also closely related to intellectual property law.  The NRCCL published the first book on legal protection of computer programs in 1973.  Since then, topics like legal protection of computer programs, databases and integrated circuits have been central research topics, especially those areas where legal and technical solutions are intertwined such as, for example, digital rights management systems.  The NRCCL’s activity is co-ordinated with the research activities of the Intellectual Property Rights group at the Department for Private Law.
 
Published Dec. 12, 2013 1:47 PM