In his work, Klimburg describes cyberspace as a four-layered pyramid with the pyramid standing on its head. He describes the first layer as ‘the bones of cyberspace’ – the bones are the hardware of the physical layer, such as undersea cables. The second layer, which he describes as ‘the neurons and nervous system of cyberspace’ is described as ‘the coded behavior of the domain: the various computer protocols and software programs.” The second layer, which he compares to human muscle systems, is data – business documents, and scientific inquiries, and all of the information which the internet houses. Finally, the largest layer is the social layer, which he describes as ‘the actual internet of people, the total sum of human actions and aspirations in cyberspace.” (29)
- As you think about these four layers — hardware; software; data and social media – which layers do you think should be regulated by a particular state as a matter of sovereignty, and which layers would need to be regulated internationally through either multilateralism or a multistakeholder approach.
- Also, how optimistic or pessimistic are you about the ability to define and create norms regarding state behavior in relation to each of these layers of the internet?
Sample Solution
