The Challenge of a Global Internet Regulation for Global Electronic Commerce

Abstract

The Internet is a global operating network exceeding therefore national territories. The territoriality principle on which regulation in general is based conflicts consequently with the international character of the Internet. In dealing with global electronic commerce the question has often been raised whether there is a need for a so-called Lex Internet modeled on the Lex Mercatoria to deal with the growing conflicts, and whether this could be realized in practice. However critics has also been raised concerning this concept. What becomes ultimately clear from this concise overview is the perception that states are forced to work more closely together.