In this assignment, you will consider a current issue, an industry, or a policy

In this assignment, you will consider a current issue, an industry, or a policy relating to the Internet (discussed in the unit). You will identify and consider governance concerns it raises, and how these might be addressed.
Choose from one of the following questions:
What is meant by ‘platform governance’? How does it differ from ‘internet governance’ or ‘platform regulation’? Is platform governance effective in addressing issues of concern? Discuss with examples.
While the internet is a global technological system, it has proven very difficult to develop parallel systems of global internet governance. It is possible to advance the goals of global internet governance in light of competing nation-state interests – and the challenges of new technologies or platforms?
“It is time to retire the tainted term ‘fake news’” (Margaret Sullivan, Washington Post columnist, 2017). What is meant by the term ‘fake news’, and in what ways may the term be ‘tainted’? In addressing this question, discuss the relationship of ‘fake news’ to misinformation and disinformation, and policies that have been developed to restrict their circulation.
What has it become common for publics and policymakers to seek the regulation of large tech companies which dominate markets (e.g. the ‘tech lash’)? Are monopolies or high level of concentration in tech markets necessarily a problem for economic and social goals? What role can competition policy or anti-trust play in the governance of these issues?
Consider the impact of digital platforms on one of the following media industries: music; news and journalism; film; television; and games. On balance, have these impacts been positive or negative for: i) those creative people seeking to make a living in these industries?; ii) access to and diversity of culture for consumers and citizens? (Note: Choose one of these options to explore – i) or ii) ).
What is meant by ‘data colonialism’ – and what groups, in particular, does it affect? How might we go about ‘decolonizing’ data? What sorts of measures may it practically involve – and what would ‘good data’ look like?
What are the key concerns raised by Chat GPT? (Is tech monopoly one of them?) To what extent do current governance options provide a way forward for problems raised by Chat GPT? Or do we need another governance paradigm entirely?
A topic of your own choice that is relevant to the learning objectives of the unit. Consult with your tutor for feedback and formal approval bv Mon 8 May with an accompanying statement of 100-200 words. Note that this must be on the topics covered in Weeks 6-12 of the unit, and not duplicate your seminar presentation topic.
Structure
Be sure to select a topic that you have not previously discussed in your presentation (assignment 1) and blog post (assignment 2).
You are required to demonstrate your own research, including drawing upon contemporary academic literature and concepts discussed in class.
You should use at least one substantial case study to illustrate and support your argument;
Please refer to Writing Resources on how to write a critical essay, and the MECO style guide for formatting your essay.
Format
Length: 3,000 words, excluding references.
You are welcome to include images or tables, which will not be included in the permitted word length.
Essays will be assessed using the marking criteria below as a guide.
Please refer to the MECO Style Guide Download MECO Style Guidefor guidance on how to properly format your assignment.
Your chosen topic MUST be different to that which you researched for Assessment Items 1 and 2. Submitted essays on the same topic will receive a zero grade.
Marking criteria:
This assignment should demonstrate:
mastery of the course materials 20 marks
critical analysis that engages with relevant key concepts from the unit and develops an effective and logical argument 20 marks
evidence and examples that support your argument and critically analyse the concepts raised 20 marks
clarity and cohesiveness of argument. 20 marks
presentation (meets word count; accurate citation and referencing; correct spelling, punctuation and grammar). 20 marks