Governance characteristics of information technology

Regulation through information technologies is growing in importance. Policymakers are addressing societal concerns such as privacy, freedom of speech, and intellectual property protection through the design of information technology. While scholars have noted the power of information technologies, there is little analysis of how people are affected or regulated by information technology. This paper builds upon structuration theory to provide a theoretically informed analysis of how information technologies affect individuals. The paper then examines two governance characteristics that policymakers may use to ensure information technology comports with societal concerns. The characteristics are defaults and standards. For each characteristic, the paper discusses the salient regulatory issues for manipulating them. The results should aid policymakers in manipulating information technologies to address societal concerns.