Regulierung von Internetkommunikationsdiensten

Internet-based communications services enable interpersonal communication via the Internet. Among them are Internet telephony services (voice over IP, e.g. Skype), instant messaging services (e.g. WhatsApp) and e-mails. Many of these services have been popular since the 1990s, but it is still not clear how they are legally classified and which rules they have to adhere to. This thesis examines whether they fall within the scope of telecommunications law and how they should be regulated. It analyses sector-specific antitrust law, consumer protection law, public safety law and privacy law. Another aspect are problems caused by rapid technological change. Therefore, the work concludes by comparing the German and European legal situation with the legal framework in the United States in terms of each law’s ability to respond.