In 1776, the thirteen colonies set out to immortalize our separation from the British empire by signing the Declaration of Independence. In doing so, we recognized our right to govern ourselves and our grievances against the King. Similarly, in 1996, Barlow begins the Cyberspace Declaration of Independence by declaring that no government shall have authority over Cyberspace and that those in Cyberspace are forming their own “Social Contract.” Barlow then goes on to air his grievances against governments trying to impose themselves in Cyberspace. He notes that governments have not “engaged in our great and gathering conversation” and they have “do not know our culture, our ethics, or the unwritten codes.” Most importantly, his concern is with legislation countries are passing to regulate Cyberspace. Similar grievances can be seen throughout the Declaration of Independence against the King, who was an ocean’s distance from the New World. In both instances, freedom is sought from an entity that seemingly does not understand the “new world” that exists, whether that be the new country or new cyberspace.
The Internet however, is vastly different that the small territorial bounds of the thirteen original colonies. There is far greater reach with the Internet. Those congregating on the internet come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and ideologies. Those in the thirteen colonies largely shared a similar background. Thus, giving cyberspace the same kinds of self-determination as the citizens of the thirteen colonies could be chaotic. There is less of a consensus on what priorities or rules should be on the internet. Without some influence by governments, it would be left to individuals which would be almost impossible to come to a consensus.
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