In "A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace," John Perry Barlow asserts the independence and sovereignty of cyberspace from traditional governments. He argues that cyberspace, a global social space, is naturally free from the jurisdiction of earthly governments, which have no moral right or means to enforce their laws in this virtual realm. Barlow emphasizes that cyberspace is not bound by physical borders, legal concepts, or physical coercion, and that its governance will emerge from ethical principles and the commonweal. He criticizes attempts by governments to impose their laws and control speech, particularly through the Telecommunications Reform Act in the United States, which he sees as a repudiation of constitutional principles. Barlow calls for a new world where all can enter without privilege or prejudice, where ideas and expressions can be freely shared and distributed, and where the Golden Rule will guide governance. He concludes by expressing hope for a more humane and fair civilization in cyberspace.In "A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace," John Perry Barlow asserts the independence and sovereignty of cyberspace from traditional governments. He argues that cyberspace, a global social space, is naturally free from the jurisdiction of earthly governments, which have no moral right or means to enforce their laws in this virtual realm. Barlow emphasizes that cyberspace is not bound by physical borders, legal concepts, or physical coercion, and that its governance will emerge from ethical principles and the commonweal. He criticizes attempts by governments to impose their laws and control speech, particularly through the Telecommunications Reform Act in the United States, which he sees as a repudiation of constitutional principles. Barlow calls for a new world where all can enter without privilege or prejudice, where ideas and expressions can be freely shared and distributed, and where the Golden Rule will guide governance. He concludes by expressing hope for a more humane and fair civilization in cyberspace.