Defending the public interest in cyberspace

The new Baker & McKenzie Cyberspace Law and Policy Centre, to be launched

in Sydney this week, will focus on the regulation of the social space created by computing networks - cyberspace.

Co-Director of the new Centre, Professor Graham Greenleaf of the Faculty of

Law at the University of New South Wales, says that the Centre's approach is distinctive because it will take a public interest perspective on what are often very

technical issues of e-commerce and government on-line.

"Business and government are well able to explain and advance their own

interests in cyberspace, but there is a need for an independent organisation

to identify and defend the public interest," Professor Greenleaf said.

According to Professor Greenleaf, while much of the Centre's work concerns

Australian law and policy, it will also concentrate on the development of

cyberspace regulation in Asia, the fastest growing part of cyberspace's

'terrestrial footprint.'

The Baker Cyberlaw Centre will conduct research, public interest advocacy

and education on issues of law and policy concerning digital transactions

in cyberspace.

The Centre's work encompasses all aspects of e-commerce and the provision

of government services by Internet, including Public Key infrastructure

(PKI) and the use of encryption, Internet Governance, privacy and freedom

of information in digital records.

The global law firm Baker & McKenzie is the principal supporter of the Centre.

WHAT: Launch of Baker & McKenzie Cyberspace Law and Policy Centre

URL: http://www.cyberlawcentre.org

WHEN: Thursday 24 May 2001 at 5.00 for 5.15pm

WHERE: Grace Hotel, 777 York St (cnr King) Sydney

WHY: Mr John Rimmer, Chief Executive Officer of the National Office for the Information

Economy ( NOIE) will officially launch the Centre.

CONTACT DETAILS: Professor Greenleaf tel: 0403 321 595 or Sarah Martin, UNSW Public Affairs and Development tel: (02) 9385 3260.