User Centered Regulation Manifesto
ICT regulation is best formulated from a user-centered design (UCD) perspective. UCD makes the needs of the user the central framework around which a system can be constructed. In designing a regulation and public policy system for the ICT industry, the end user becomes the individual citizens and groups who are being served by the public policy.
Fundamental human rights and freedoms, as outlined in the Humanist Manifesto, UN Charter, and the US Bill of Rights are best served by public policy that protects the rights of the end-user while simultaneously providing an open horizon for scientists, entrepreneurs, and businesses to develop and profit from ICT advancements. Well-accepted human rights, like privacy, can be subverted on a scale not previously known in human history because of the increased capabilities technological advancements bring.
ICT service providers have the capability to control levels of service from both the sender and receiver. This capability allows for service providers to control access. Service providers should not be allowed to compete with each other by denying or impeding user access levels, because this harms the user. Since access to ICT infrastructure is so important, service providers should only be allowed to filter or impede a transmission when the content of the message is harmful to another individual user's rights (such as child pornography or personal financial information).
Since freedom is so integral to good governance, governments should regulate by the least restrictive means available. The right of a producer to benefit from his or her invention or service should be reasonably preserved.