The internet has developed in an environment characterized by freedom of interconnection and access. This freedom has also lead to the development of exchange of information, of digital content and the inventions of platforms that facilitate such exchange. Traditional sellers of content (music majors in particular) have fought early on for protection and this has lead to a fascinating debate of the effect of internet on creativity. Some like Lawrence Lessig have defended the idea that the internet allows creativity to be separated from the profit motive and that any legislation putting barriers on exchange will eventually hinder innovation and creativity. More recently, additional pressures for regulation of access in the internet have been felt and another lively debate is underway concerning whether the internet should be neutral ("net neutrality") or whether some form of discrimination of access should be allowed.

Because discrimination in access may have competition policy consequences, this topic is relevant for the course and may provide an interesting example of how new market forms may be shaped by, or lack of, regulation.

As the bibliography shows, economists are somewhat in favor of some regulation -- hence taking a view partly in opposition to Lessig's. If you choose this topic, you should articulate the types of regulation that may be considered, their effects on innovation and "creativity" and on entry barriers.