Master Thesis - Perspectives on Internet policy

Background

Netnod is a small high-tech firm based in Sweden which provides services at the core of the Internet, such as Internet-exchange services, transmission, DNS-services, and time and frequency services. Netnod is at the forefront of secure and robust services.

Thesis description

At Netnod we are involved in the implication of Internet related policy in our day to day operations. Policy with regards to the Internet is changing rapidly, both in form and in shape.

That is, thirty years ago policy for (technical) implementation was set though technically and academically focused forums, but the last twenty or so years has seen a shift to the Internet being directly or indirectly affected by public policy endeavours, such as public policy processes in countries, the EU or the UN.

Suggested research question: Which set of actors has the most influence over the development of the Internet as an interconnected network of networks and which direction is this development currently taking?

This thesis concerns digging into policy trends affecting the Internet directly or indirectly and mapping them to the ideals and perspectives they arise in.

Qualifications

This thesis project is aimed at students in computer science and engineering with an interest in the Internet in general, and specifically public policy processes.

Extent

Preferably two students, 30hp each

Practicalities

The students are expected to be partly present at the Netnod main office in Solna, Stockholm. The planned semester is spring of 2026.

Netnod will provide an on-site supervisor with relevant academic merits.

Netnod provides necessary equipment, reimbursement for travels, and a one time compensation upon completion of the thesis project.