John Perry Barlow's "Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace" asserts that the digital realm, or Cyberspace, is a distinct and independent domain where individuals can freely express themselves without government control. Barlow addresses the industrial world's governments, warning that they have no authority over Cyberspace, which is not bound by physical borders or traditional legal systems. He argues that Cyberspace is a natural, self-governing space formed through collective human action, not a public project that can be controlled by governments. Unlike the physical world, Cyberspace is not governed by laws of property, expression, identity, movement, or context, as these are based on matter, which does not exist in Cyberspace. Barlow emphasizes that Cyberspace is a space where all can participate without discrimination, where individuals can express their beliefs freely, and where governance will emerge from ethics, self-interest, and the common good. He criticizes governments for attempting to impose their laws and control on Cyberspace, arguing that such efforts are futile and even harmful. Barlow also highlights the threat that governments pose to the spread of freedom and liberty, as they try to restrict access to Cyberspace. He concludes by declaring Cyberspace as a new world of the Mind, where a more humane and fair civilization can be built, free from the tyranny of governments.John Perry Barlow's "Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace" asserts that the digital realm, or Cyberspace, is a distinct and independent domain where individuals can freely express themselves without government control. Barlow addresses the industrial world's governments, warning that they have no authority over Cyberspace, which is not bound by physical borders or traditional legal systems. He argues that Cyberspace is a natural, self-governing space formed through collective human action, not a public project that can be controlled by governments. Unlike the physical world, Cyberspace is not governed by laws of property, expression, identity, movement, or context, as these are based on matter, which does not exist in Cyberspace. Barlow emphasizes that Cyberspace is a space where all can participate without discrimination, where individuals can express their beliefs freely, and where governance will emerge from ethics, self-interest, and the common good. He criticizes governments for attempting to impose their laws and control on Cyberspace, arguing that such efforts are futile and even harmful. Barlow also highlights the threat that governments pose to the spread of freedom and liberty, as they try to restrict access to Cyberspace. He concludes by declaring Cyberspace as a new world of the Mind, where a more humane and fair civilization can be built, free from the tyranny of governments.