To add to this complicated mix, the Canadian Police Chief Association recently announced their intention to push for laws that will govern the Internet. The anarchist demeanor and reputation of the Internet is something many governments want to control as more of their compatriots go online. We can legislate behavior and rules of conduct for ourselves but for no other societies. Although the Internet is a creature of the American Defense establishment it has long since ceased to be a creature of just America. Further, there exist enormous barriers to protect American corporations abroad short of unilateral agreements and enforcement.
American corporations claim huge losses of revenue as a result of theft of their property.
However, one has to note in passing , that while at home these very same corporations lobby for regulation free environments. The Clinton Administration advocates encryption and demands a copy of the key to protect the people's interests at home and abroad. This sends a mixed message and Internet denizens retort with accusations and fears of Big Brother. Issues of freedom of speech and protection under the law are like being a little bit pregnant with everyone getting very nervous and looking hard to slap a paternity suit on almost anyone who might fit the profile. Big Brotherism is always a fear in a society that remembers the reality of a Hitler and Stalin and recently the bombings of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City and the World Trade Center in New York City.