7 Internet Law Books That Define the Digital Legal Landscape

Explore Internet Law Books authored by leading authorities like Eric Goldman and Andrej Savin, providing expert insights on legal challenges in the digital world.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if I told you that the legal frameworks governing the internet are as complex and dynamic as the technology itself? Internet Law isn’t just about websites and emails; it’s central to privacy, intellectual property, cybersecurity, and global governance — issues that affect everyone navigating today’s digital world.

This curated list of seven books offers authoritative perspectives from scholars and practitioners deeply embedded in Internet Law. Authors like Eric Goldman and Andrej Savin bring decades of hands-on experience and academic rigor, dissecting topics from jurisdictional challenges to EU regulations and cybersecurity policies. Their work shapes how legal professionals, policymakers, and technologists understand and engage with online legal complexities.

While these expert-written books provide proven frameworks, if you want insights tailored to your unique background, experience, or focus area within Internet Law, you might consider creating a personalized Internet Law book that builds on these foundational ideas and sharpens your learning journey.

Best for law students and practitioners
Eric Goldman is a Professor of Law at Santa Clara University School of Law, where he co-directs the High Tech Law Institute and oversees the Privacy Law Certificate. Before academia, he served as General Counsel at Epinions.com and practiced internet law at Cooley Godward LLP. His expertise in Internet Law, Intellectual Property, and Advertising & Marketing Law, alongside his Technology & Marketing Law Blog's recognition in the ABA Journal’s “Blawg Hall of Fame,” underpins the authority of this book. Goldman’s hands-on experience and scholarly insights make this casebook a valuable resource for anyone seeking a rigorous understanding of Internet Law.
Internet Law: Cases & Materials (2020 Edition) book cover

by Eric Goldman··You?

2020·436 pages·Internet Law, Intellectual Property, Contracts, Jurisdiction, Privacy

Eric Goldman’s decades of experience as a law professor and internet transactional attorney led him to create this detailed casebook specifically for students diving into Internet Law. You’ll explore critical topics like jurisdiction, contracts, intellectual property disputes, defamation, privacy, and web host liability through real cases and legal materials. For example, chapters on trademarks and domain names clarify complex IP issues, while sections on social media legalities provide insights relevant to today’s digital environment. This book suits law students and anyone seeking a thorough, case-driven understanding of the legal framework shaping the internet’s evolving landscape.

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Best for EU regulatory frameworks
Andrej Savin, professor at Copenhagen Business School, brings his expertise in EU Internet law and governance to this thorough exploration of regulation within the European Union. His research spans internet governance in both the US and Europe, providing a rich foundation for the book’s critical evaluation of EU policy-making and legal developments. This edition reflects the latest judicial decisions and legislative proposals, making it a valuable resource for those involved in the evolving landscape of internet regulation.
EU Internet Law: Second Edition (Elgar European Law series) book cover

by Andrej Savin··You?

2017·384 pages·Internet Law, Regulation, Law, Intellectual Property, Consumer Protection

Drawing from his role as a professor at Copenhagen Business School, Andrej Savin offers an insightful examination of EU Internet regulation, delving into its constitutional underpinnings and evolving governance. You gain a detailed understanding of key areas such as electronic commerce, jurisdiction, content regulation, intellectual property, and consumer protection. The book’s analysis of recent Court of Justice case law and emerging EU policy proposals equips you with current perspectives on this complex field. It’s best suited for those engaged in or studying EU regulatory frameworks, law practitioners, and policy analysts seeking a nuanced critique rather than a simplified overview.

Published by Edward Elgar Publishing
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Best for personal learning paths
This personalized AI book on Internet Law is created based on your background, skill level, and the specific topics you want to explore. By focusing on what matters most to you, it bridges broad legal knowledge and your unique learning objectives. The result is a clear, tailored guide that helps you understand complex digital legal issues without wading through irrelevant material.
2025·50-300 pages·Internet Law, Jurisdiction Issues, Privacy Law, Cybersecurity, Intellectual Property

This tailored book explores the multifaceted world of Internet Law, offering a deep dive into key areas such as jurisdiction, privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. It covers foundational principles as well as emerging legal challenges, all focused on your specific interests and background. By synthesizing complex legal concepts into a personalized learning path, this book reveals how digital regulations intersect with real-world applications, helping you navigate the legal landscape with clarity and confidence. The approach ensures content is aligned with your goals, making intricate Internet Law topics accessible and relevant.

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Digital Jurisdiction
3,000+ Books Created
Best for IT professionals and legal educators
Brian Craig brings deep legal and academic expertise to this book, drawing on his roles at Purdue University Global and previous legal publishing experience. His background in teaching online legal courses and involvement with medical malpractice prelitigation panels uniquely position him to clarify the complexities of internet law. This foundation informs the book’s thorough treatment of cyberlaw topics, making it a reliable guide for anyone serious about understanding the legal landscape of the digital age.
2012·288 pages·Internet Law, Cyberlaw, Intellectual Property, Contracts, Computer Crimes

What happens when a seasoned legal educator dives into the complex world of cyberlaw? Brian Craig, leveraging his extensive experience teaching online legal courses and working within legal publishing, offers a detailed look at the legal challenges surrounding the Internet and information technology. You’ll explore jurisdictional issues, intellectual property rights, contracts, taxation, and computer crimes, all supported by up-to-date cases and thought-provoking exercises that sharpen your legal reasoning. This book suits those aiming to grasp the evolving regulatory landscape of digital spaces, from law students to IT professionals navigating legal risks.

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Best for cybersecurity legal experts
Jeff Kosseff is a leading authority in cybersecurity law and policy, serving as a professor at the United States Naval Academy. His deep expertise at the intersection of law and technology drives this authoritative text, which addresses complex legal challenges in digital security, privacy, and data protection. Kosseff’s work is nationally recognized, making this book a valuable resource for professionals navigating the continuously evolving field of cybersecurity law.
Cybersecurity Law book cover

by Jeff Kosseff··You?

2022·880 pages·Cyberlaw, Internet Law, Data Security, Privacy Law, Regulatory Compliance

After years teaching and researching the legal intricacies of digital security, Jeff Kosseff crafted this detailed guide to navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity law. You’ll gain a firm grasp of critical statutes, court rulings, and regulatory frameworks that define how data, systems, and privacy are protected legally. The book’s updated chapters on ransomware laws, federal executive orders, and recent court cases equip you with knowledge relevant to current cybersecurity challenges. Whether you’re a legal professional, IT manager, or policymaker, this text lays out the legal terrain you need to understand to safeguard digital assets effectively.

Published by Wiley
Third Edition Release
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Best for media and communications pros
Cleland Thom is a seasoned consultant and trainer specializing in media and internet law, with a background that includes advising major UK media groups and government entities. His expertise anchors this book, which addresses the complex legal environment journalists and communicators face online. Drawing on his experience as a legal blogger for the Press Gazette and author of multiple legal texts, Thom crafted this guide to clarify the law’s impact on digital publishing and social media use, making it a valuable reference for anyone involved in online journalism or content creation.
2016·162 pages·Internet Law, Online Journalism, Media Regulation, Defamation, Data Protection

Cleland Thom’s extensive experience as a media and internet law consultant shines through in this guide tailored for journalists and communicators navigating the digital landscape. You’ll find detailed explanations of legal risks tied to online publishing, including media regulation, defamation, and data protection, alongside practical advice on managing social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The book also dives into niche topics such as the use of drones and the right to be forgotten, offering chapters that balance legal theory with real-world relevance. If you create or manage content online, this book equips you with the knowledge to avoid common legal pitfalls and protect your work effectively.

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Best for personal compliance plans
This AI-created book on cybersecurity compliance is tailored to your background, skill level, and specific goals. By sharing what areas of cybersecurity law you want to focus on, the book is created to match your interests and help you navigate complex regulations effectively. It provides a clear, personalized roadmap through cybersecurity statutes and compliance challenges, making it easier to understand and apply the rules that matter most to you.
2025·50-300 pages·Internet Law, Cybersecurity Law, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Assessment, Data Protection

This tailored book explores the practical steps needed to understand and apply cybersecurity regulations effectively within your unique context. It covers how to interpret complex legal requirements, examine regulatory obligations, and prioritize actions tailored to your background and goals. The book offers a personalized pathway through cybersecurity law, focusing on the specific issues you want to master and the challenges you face. By matching content to your interests and experience, this book reveals how to navigate cybersecurity statutes and compliance measures in a way that fits your needs. It helps you build confidence in managing regulatory demands without wading through irrelevant material, creating a focused and engaging learning journey.

Tailored Guide
Regulatory Alignment
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for child protection law specialists
This book presents a focused and critical analysis of internet child pornography through the lens of national and international legal responses. It stands out by comparing laws in key jurisdictions like England, Wales, the US, and Canada, while examining efforts toward harmonizing legislation within European and global institutions. If you are invested in internet law, this work clarifies how legal and non-legal tools intersect to protect vulnerable populations online. It tackles the delicate balance between effective enforcement and avoiding reactionary policies, offering a valuable perspective on the complexities of regulating such a sensitive and urgent issue in the digital age.
326 pages·Internet Law, Child Protection, Legal Frameworks, International Law, Regulatory Policy

Drawing from extensive expertise in internet governance and law, Yaman Akdeniz offers a thorough examination of internet child pornography and the complex regulatory challenges it presents. You’ll explore comparative legal frameworks across England, Wales, the US, and Canada, gaining insight into how governments balance child protection with legal harmonization efforts at the EU, Council of Europe, and UN levels. The book’s critical stance on panic-driven policies invites you to understand the nuance between enforcement and overreach, emphasizing effective legal implementation as a means to curb exploitation online. This work is essential if you seek a detailed understanding of legal responses to internet-based child sexual abuse and the broader implications for internet law enforcement.

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Best for internet governance analysts
Who Controls the Internet? offers a thought-provoking look at the forces shaping the Internet beyond its technical architecture. This book stands out in Internet Law for its detailed exploration of how national governments interact with, control, and influence the digital landscape, challenging the myth of a borderless web. Authors Jack Goldsmith and Tim Wu trace pivotal moments and legal battles that reveal the enduring power of territorial governance in cyberspace. This nuanced analysis benefits anyone seeking to understand the evolving balance between freedom and regulation online, making it a valuable resource for legal scholars, policymakers, and technology professionals interested in the future of Internet governance.
2006·226 pages·Internet Law, Cybersecurity, Governance, Privacy, Regulation

Drawing from their backgrounds in law and technology, Jack Goldsmith and Tim Wu explore the complex reality behind the idea that the Internet transcends national borders. You gain insights into how governments reassert control over the web through compelling case studies, like Google's run-in with French regulators and Yahoo's compliance with Chinese censorship. The book unpacks the tension between the early vision of a borderless Internet and the persistent power of territorial governance, highlighting how the rule of law remains central to managing digital spaces. If you’re interested in understanding how global politics shape the online world you navigate every day, this book offers a clear-eyed examination of who really holds the reins online.

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Conclusion

These seven books collectively reveal three key themes shaping Internet Law today: the tension between global connectivity and national legal boundaries; the evolving challenges of protecting privacy, intellectual property, and security online; and the critical role of governance in balancing freedom with regulation.

If you’re grappling with jurisdictional complexities or EU regulatory frameworks, start with "Internet Law" by Eric Goldman alongside "EU Internet Law" by Andrej Savin. For cybersecurity concerns, Jeff Kosseff’s "Cybersecurity Law" offers deep insights. Meanwhile, media professionals should consider "Online Law for Journalists" to navigate digital publishing risks effectively.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Internet Law book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and confidently engage with the legal challenges of the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Eric Goldman's "Internet Law" for a solid foundation on key legal concepts, then explore specialized areas like EU law or cybersecurity based on your interests.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Internet Law?

Not at all. Many of these books, such as Brian Craig's "Cyberlaw," are designed to guide learners through complex topics with clear explanations and case examples.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with general texts like "Internet Law" and "Cyberlaw," then move to focused titles like "EU Internet Law" or "Cybersecurity Law" to deepen your expertise.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Internet Law changes?

While laws evolve, these books provide timeless legal principles and contextual analyses; for the latest updates, supplement with current case law and policy reports.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Online Law for Journalists" offers practical guidance tailored for media professionals navigating legal risks in digital publishing immediately.

Can I get personalized Internet Law insights tailored to my needs?

Yes! While these books offer expert foundations, you can create a personalized Internet Law book to focus on your specific interests and goals, bridging expert knowledge with your unique context.

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