Basic Elements of Lessig Framework

Basic Elements of Lessig’s Framework

Lawrence Lessig author of the book, Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace, depicts a framework which classifies four forces that regulate and constrain behavior. These four forces are applicable in real space and translate over to cyberspace as well. The four basic forces are, the law, the market, norms, and architecture. Each of these forces have unique properties.

The law restricts real space by stating a rule that when broken results in punishment, this punishment is usually carried out by a government. Similar to real space, cyberspace is also under restriction by laws. For instance, copyright laws protect the original work of individuals, and threatens with punishment to those illegally distributing, downloading or uploading copyrighted material. The law regulates behavior by keeping people in check and away from illegal actives.

The market is a force that regulates real space through a monetary aspect. The cost for goods, services and labor is imposed instantly. It determines what one can or can’t have. For instance, one can only receive a service if the service is paid for. Similarly, cyberspace is controlled by the market. Unless one pays for the service of an internet provider one cannot have access to the internet. If one doesn’t have sufficient funds to buy computer or internet service, cyberspace behavior is being indirectly controlled by the market. Just as the market can create or deter opportunities in real space, it does the same in cyberspace. An example of this is the way in which advertisers flock to more popular websites, increasing revenue and allowing expansion of that website. However, one limitation of the market on cyberspace, is that unlike in real space pornography is much less expensive to distribute and therefore has an increasing supply.

Social norms regulate through a stigma that a society imposes. A deviation from the social norm can lead one to be ostracized, resulting in negative effects such as alienation from the community. In real space a community utilizes shame as a tool to chastise an individual. Similarly, in the cyberspace community any individual engaging in behaviors such as spamming and hacking may be shamed and alienated until they follow cultural norms.

Architecture controls behavior through the physical limit it imposes. It is

imposed immediately and automatically by design. For instance, limitations can be natural such as oceans, lakes or mountains that draw a border. In addition, they can also be man-made such as a jail cell limiting a prisoner from the outside world. Lessig’s framework labels the equivalent of architectural constraint in cyberspace as “code”. Software code refers to the programs that make up the internet. Through its design a specific software code can limit and control cyberspace activities. For example, an ISP can utilize a security system that prohibits the delivery of a high volume of messages from one source. This controls an individual’s ability to engage in spamming. Moreover, code can restrict access to a website through the use of a password and username.

Lawrence Lessig’s framework lays out the four forces that can regulate and constrain behavior both in real space and cyberspace. In real space the law, the market, social norms, and architecture limit individuals. Equally, in cyberspace, the law, the market, social norms, and code, regulate behavior.

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