The Internet s characteristics challenge traditional patterns of authority in the Information Age. These characteristics can be simply defined as connectivity, interactivity and hypertextuality. The combination of these three characteristics makes the Internet a new communications medium that has the potential to restructure international affairs. Communication is not simply a material good, but fundamental to the democratic tradition. These characteristics also provide a global marketplace for consumers and corporations to advertise and purchase goods.
Commercial interests are the primary drivers of development of content on the Internet.
Although this was not the original intention of the global communications network, the continued commercialization of the Internet has led to electronic commerce becoming one of the highest growth areas on the planet. The development of the Internet both in terms of number of users and amount of investment made has been due in large part to its commercialization. It must be realized that developments on the Internet have political ramifications. The Internet reveals this shift in many ways. The failed Communications Decency Act in the US reveals the intensely political nature of the Internet.