Defining internet intermediary liability : unveiling context and contestation practices in Germany and Singapore

Abstract

Internet intermediary liability is an on-going subject of discussion. Defining what is the Internet intermediary and looking at the responsibilities and liabilities are the challenge in itself. This research showed that individual country has its own way in defining Internet intermediary including deciding its liability. Knowledge in technical aspect of it, matters in making regulations. Social-political context does matter in governing Internet intermediary and not to mention, the contestation between stakeholders. As Internet policy discussion has the multistakeholder nature, the contestation between (or among) stakeholder is obvious. This research is reviewing the content regulation in Germany and Singapore for Internet Intermediary. Both countries defined liability towards Internet Intermediary differently along with its processes and sanctions given. Political context does matter in developing regulations in both countries and different stakeholders influence the process though government remains in power to make decision. This research also showed that what happened in Germany and Singapore was an example of country-based decision making process rather than regional or international framework.