Whereas the Internet continues to provide businesses and consumers with unlimited market opportunities, it has also brought many unfortunate improprieties. These violations of ‘personal property’ are extremely difficult to identify, isolate, and eliminate. Therefore, it is paramount the federal government monitors, regulates, and promulgates cyberspace protective measures.
Cybersquatting is the leading online threat facing the global community today. For those not aware, cybersquatters are individuals who reserve Internet domain names identical or confusingly similar to a legitimate site or trademark. The aim, therefore, of these perpetrators is to extort money from legitimate domain names.
All Internet users and e-commerce participants must familiarize themselves with the scope of intellectual property rights. Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Congress are continuously evaluating security measures and enacting legislation in order to bolster industry standards and requirements. However, there are a number of ways that individuals can protect and educate themselves as well –- knowledge, particularly in this case, is key.
Some may pose the question whether or not we should we regulate a medium that does not occupy a given physical space? I would offer absolutely — probably more so than mediums occupying physical spaces. I fully expect these agencies to continue to promulgate stricter standards as loopholes in legislation are exploited. Cyberspace could go from a moderately controlled space to the most scrutinized and regulated (non-physical) space imaginable!
Respectfully,
Chris
buzzsiekman 