Closing of the Net

How are political decisions influencing the future direction of internet communication? As the interests of powerful businesses become more embedded in the online world, so these corporations seek greater exemption from liability. They are manipulating governments and policy-makers, blocking and filtering content, and retaining and storing personal data at the cost of individual access and privacy.

In this compelling account, Monica Horten confronts the deepening cooperation between large companies and the State. She looks at a number of case studies related to privacy, net neutrality, filtering and copyright. Corrupt political manoeuvrings, she argues, suggest that the original vision of a free and democratic internet is rapidly being eclipsed by a closed, market-led, heavily monitored online ecosystem. And the results are chilling.

The Closing of the Net boldly tackles the deep and divisive controversies surrounding individual rights today. The book will prove essential reading for anyone concerned with present and future internet policy and its effects on our freedoms.