ABSTRACT

This paper explores how a deeply embedded norm can be used to exert power and control in the governance of distributed infrastructures, such as the Internet. Through the lens of norm conflict, I analyse a case of resistance against the introduction of norms in the transnational governance of Internet routing. In a mixed-methods case study, I examine through an experiment how a community of network operators resists the introduction of data protection and human rights norms in the Internet routing infrastructure. To provide a possible explanation as to how a prevalent and deeply embedded norm enables the resistance to the introduction of new norms, I develop the notion of ‘infrastructural norms’. This concept could help explain why Internet infrastructure governance thus far has largely defied national and international democratic norms. The understanding of how norms are used in infrastructure governance contributes to the study of power in large technical systems.

摘要

本文探讨了如何使用深度嵌入的规范在分布式基础设施（如互联网）的治理中发挥权力和控制。通过规范冲突的视角，我分析了一个在互联网路由跨国治理中抵制引入规范的案例。在一个混合方法案例研究中，我通过一个实验来研究网络运营商社区如何抵制在互联网路由基础设施中引入数据保护和人权规范。为了对普遍且根深蒂固的规范如何抵制新规范的引入提供可能的解释，我提出了“基础设施规范”的概念。这个概念可以帮助解释为什么迄今为止互联网基础设施治理在很大程度上违背了国家和国际民主规范。