4 episodes

What is it about computers and computer networks that makes them so much more powerful and flexible than most other technologies? And why do these qualities seem to drive regulators and vested interest groups to demand illogical regulation? In this invited seminar, Open University Visiting Senior Lecturer Cory Doctorow discusses the consequence of overzealous technology regulation in a talk entitled: A little bit pregnant: Why it's a bad idea to regulate computers the way we regulate radios, guns, uranium and other special-purpose tools.

Cory Doctorow: Computer and Internet Regulation - Audio The Open University

- Education
- 4.7 • 3 Ratings

- JUL 5, 2011
Cory Doctorow: Computer and Internet Regulation

Cory Doctorow: Computer and Internet Regulation

What is it about computers and computer networks that makes them so much more powerful and flexible than most other technologies?
- 59 sec
- JUL 5, 2011
Introduction: What is special about IT?

Introduction: What is special about IT?

Cory gives examples of some seemingly impossible demands regulators might make for special purpose computing and goes on to show how general purpose computers and networks benefit a wide range of society.
- 8 min
- JUL 5, 2011
The consequences of regulation

The consequences of regulation

With examples from software radio, broadcast and recorded media, handheld games consoles and hearing aids, Cory Doctorow shows how prior restraint regulation will not work.
- 24 min
- JUL 5, 2011
Solutions to computer regulation

Solutions to computer regulation

Cory Doctorow points out that doing nothing is also not an option. We need after the fact solutions that can mitigate and reduce harm.
- 7 min