Internet Regulation in Emerging Markets: How Internet Regulations Violate the Right to Freedom of Information

The purpose of this thesis project is to study a contemporary topic and add on to the debate on Internet regulation by applying ideas and material learned in the International Studies Masters program. This project investigates whether Internet regulation in emerging markets violates the right to freedom of information. The thesis analyzes various factors regarding violations of freedom of information due to Internet regulations. The literature review chapter addresses roles and debates on Internet regulation including international law, human rights, international actors, governments and corporations. The case study chapter examines Russia as an example of an emerging market and discusses government policies on Internet regulation that led to instances of violations of freedom of information. On the basis of the findings in this project, the analysis and conclusion chapters conclude that Internet regulation in emerging markets has been increasing and has led to violation of the right to freedom of information. The chapters provide an overview of the study and recommend the need for internationalization of Internet regulation and the creation of an international entity that would monitor and regulate instances of violations of freedom of information by governments and other actors in Internet regulation