What legally is the Internet?

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US legal definitions of the Internet

  • Internet: The term Internet means the international computer network of both Federal and non-Federal interoperable packet switched data networks." 47 U.S.C. § 230(f)(1).
  • The term "Internet" means the combination of computer facilities and electromagnetic transmission media, and related equipment and software, comprising the interconnected worldwide network of computer networks that employ the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol or any successor protocol to transmit the information. 47 U.S.C. § 231(e)(3).
  • The term "Internet" has the meaning given the term in section 230(f)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 230(f)(1)). 47 USC 1127.
  • Internet.--The term Internet means collectively the myriad of computer and telecommunications facilities, including equipment and operating software, which comprise the interconnected world-wide network of networks that employ the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, or any predecessor or successor protocols to such protocol, to communicate information of all kinds by wire or radio. - Internet Tax Freedom Act, Pub. L. No. 105-277, Div. C, tit 11, § 1101(e)(3)(C)
  • INTERNET.The term "Internet" means collectively the myriad of computer and telecommunications facilities, including equipment and operating software, which comprise the interconnected world-wide network of networks that employ the Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol, or any predecessor or successor protocols to such protocol, to communicate information of all kinds by wire or radio. --- The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, Pub. L. No. 105-277, Div. C, tit 13, § 1302(6).
  • The term Internet has the meaning given that term in section 230(f)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 230(f)(1))).'. - AntiCybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, SEC. 3005. DEFINITIONS.


French Law definition

The French law does not defines the internet (lower case). It uses it as a common name for the system that supports "public on-line communications".


IETF definition of the Internet

[RFC 2026]"Internet Standard Process" states: The Internet, a loosely-organized international collaboration of autonomous, interconnected networks, supports host-to-host communication through voluntary adherence to open protocols and procedures defined by Internet Standards.

[RFC 3935] "Mission Statement for the IETF" states: The Internet: A large, heterogeneous collection of interconnected systems that can be used for communication of many different types between any interested parties connected to it. The term includes both the "core Internet" (ISP networks) and "edge Internet" (corporate and private networks, often connected via firewalls, NAT boxes, application layer gateways and similar devices). The Internet is a truly global network, reaching into just about every country in the world.

The IETF community wants the Internet to succeed because we believe that the existence of the Internet, and its influence on economics, communication, and education, will help us to build a better human society.

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