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A call for a statement of expectations for the global information infrastructure

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Abstract

This paper considers the relationship between ethics, technology and law, and the roles and limitations each has in this relationship. It argues that ethics has the key role in establishing a resilient, comprehensive and sensitive information infrastructure. It puts forward a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for the electronic community.

… the most important use of the internet, and indeed the NII, will be to allow individuals to communicate with each other and to rapidly access the information they require or desire…. A combination of ethics, technology and law are needed to insure the effective development of this important aspect of the network of the future. Robert E. Kahn1

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Correspondence to Fank W. Connolly.

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Connolly, F.W. A call for a statement of expectations for the global information infrastructure. Sci Eng Ethics 2, 167–176 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02583551

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02583551

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