Internet Law in 2009
01/08/2009The Internet is without a doubt, an invaluable tool. It can provide us with information on virtually any topic, in almost any language, from a number of different sources, some of which we even trust. The Internet can be used to organize correspondence with colleagues, photographs, shopping wish lists, and even friends. It has only taken a few years for the Internet to become most people's go-to guide for movie listings, local restaurants, and perhaps even the relationship status of a romantic prospect. However, what has not yet been completely established is a way of handling all the information the Internet makes so easy to access. 2009 will certainly bring some changes to Internet law, and hopefully good ones.
One topic of conversation among online retailers and state politicians is imposing a standard for Internet sales tax. At the moment, only retailers with in-state stores and warehouses may collect and remit sales taxes on purchases made by citizens of that state. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is pushing for the adoption of a law that would collect taxes from Internet retailers agreeing to participate in a multi-state streamlined sales tax initiative, which 22 states have already adopted. While this plan is bad for shoppers who opt to buy online to avoid paying sales tax, if approved, it could generate millions of dollars for Massachusetts. A law does exist, although it is rarely enforced, that requires consumers to pay tax to the state on items they have bought out-of-state. This means no change for retailers battling large out-of-state retailers, but only on paper - or the screen.
Another topic of Internet conversation for the New Year is cyberbullying - that's right, kids bully each other online, using social networking sites like MySpace and instant messaging. As of January 1st, students of California schools may be suspended or even expelled for cyberbullying their peers. There are 12 other states with cyberbullying laws in effect. This law will improve the lives of many of the adolescents who are the victims of cyberbullying, although the school's involvement in what students do and say outside of school is questionable. Indeed, Aden Fine of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has stated, what students say outside of school is for parents to deal with or other government bodies to deal with. He also reminded the public that We have to keep in mind this is free speech we're talking about. However, although it may be considered free speech, harassment that occurs outside of school can have implications in school. Students victimized by bullying often show the signs in school, with lower grades and poor attendance. There are many stories about kids who committed suicide in association with cyberbullying (and even in association with cyber harassment, which involves adults). The power of the Internet (and mobile phones) as a tool is incredible; cyberbullying is just one of a number of challenges to lawmakers, educators, students, and parents that no one had to deal with before the explosion of the Net's popularity. The challenge of dealing with cyberbullying as a common adolescent activity rather than an Internet phenomenon is compounded by how easy it is to access the internet and find other people online to treat with malice. Bullying happens, whether an IP is involved or not, and just because it can occur on the Internet does not make that a special case.
A less harmful thing you can do on the Internet is become an ordained minister (in Pennsylvania, at least). It took over a year for York County judges to conclude that ministers ordained over the Internet are permitted to preside over marriage ceremonies, even if the minister has no congregation. This came after a number of newlyweds were told they may not actually be married, simply because the people who married them bypassed a physical institution and opted for the Universal Life Church Monastery (themonastery.org) to give them religious credentials. The Universal Life Church's website even has a training section on exorcisms. Before the Internet, how else would the average person learn to exorcise evil forces?
The wealth of information and easy access the Internet provides us makes it the best tool for many daily activities. There is no doubt that 2009 will see changes and amendments to Internet law to better guide us in managing all that readily-available data and communication. Not only can you bully kids, but you can wed, exorcise, and generate millions in revenue - all using the World Wide Web.
