The civil society approach holds that voluntary, nongovernmental organizations can instill and create the values of community, public-spirited conduct and charitable activities.
Threats loom on two fronts.
U.S. politicians have shown themselves incapable of developing intelligent legislation regarding the Net, and there is reason to fear further harm. Those challenges confront two important Internet organizations now in leadership transitions, but fortunately an encouraging number of new initiatives may yet civilize the Net. At the Internet Society, veteran communications executive Don Heath last month became president and chief executive. With a membership base of academics and researchers, a discursive style dominates. CommerceNet, which promotes Internet commerce, is searching for a CEO, now that Cathy Medich, its first staff leader, has taken a for-profit job.