Law and culture in the information society

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Abstract
The paper attempts to reconcile the conflicting concerns about information as a public resource and information as an economic commodity within an information society. The free and uncompensated distribution of information can be rationalized within the context of an agricultural or manufacturing society as a means for furthering the economic interests of the group; however, an information society requires a global economy which is interdependent, for information societies cannot survive without outside support for basic goods and needs. Such a society requires a legal system which recognizes the value of the contribution of those who engage in the creative process. The paper discusses various property rights in information, including rights of access, rights of confidentiality, and rights of reply. The paper also discusses jurisdictional questions concerning the structure of information transport systems, as well as the applicability of the GATT to telecommunications services and information products.

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