Summary

Any legal regulation must answer the question which values to protect. In connection with the regulation governing the Internet, several values can be pointed out such as the protection of minors against illegal materials, the protection of personal rights, the protection of cultural diversity and the freedom of speech, respect for the anonymity of persons, etc. However, different values are clearly in conflict with each other and, hence, which values are to be protected? The goal of the legal regulation is thus to find a balance between controversial values.
Given the fact that the Internet differs significantly from all other means of communication and that the existing legal regulation is insufficient, there is no doubt that communication in the Internet environment requires additional attention. The question is in which way to regulate: whether to promote the self-regulation of the Internet, whether to regulate the matter on the state level or to resort to international regulation. The author examines all the three levels of regulation and analyses their advantages and disadvantages.