How is the Internet controlled?

The Internet neither belongs to nor is controlled by any one person, organisation or government. This lack of central control is sometimes portrayed as anarchic and dangerous. But on the whole it offers huge benefits. Unlike any other medium, the Internet gives everyone the chance to be a publisher – to create and publish material for people to see across the world. This is an unprecedented creative opportunity for adults and children alike, and has far-reaching implications in providing a channel for free speech for those living under even the most repressive regimes.

The flip side of this is that other people may use the Internet in ways which you may find offensive, or which are actually illegal. In using the Net you need to know about the possible hazards, particularly for children, and how you can avoid them.

The Net is not a legal vacuum – in most countries the law applies online exactly as it does offline, and people who break the law can be tracked down and prosecuted. In a growing number of countries specialist hotlines have been set up to tackle the problem of illegal content.

But most material on the Internet is perfectly legal, so people have a right both to publish it and to access it. At the same time you have the right to control your own use of the Net by choosing what you personally don't want to see, or don't want your children to see. Software tools are available to help you select the material you access, particularly on the World Wide Web. In addition, Internet service providers (ISPs) do vary in the range of services they offer to their subscribers, particularly in areas such as newsgroups and chat, so you are free to choose your ISP accordingly.

The freedom of the Net offers exciting new opportunities for you and for your children. By being aware of the potential hazards, and taking reasonable steps to avoid them, you can all enjoy this vast online world.