Rights, Regulation, and the Technological Revolution confronts a central question facing modern government - how can regulators respond to both the challenges and opportunities presented by a technologically driven society without sacrificing legitimacy for effectiveness, or weakening the essential conditions of a stable, aspirant moral community? Analysing developments across biotechnology, information and communications technology, nanotechnology and neurotechnology, the book explores the difficulties facing the public control of rapid technological change, focusing on the problems of regulatory effectiveness, connection, legitimacy, and compliance. The book argues that as regulators struggle to find adequate frameworks to limit, license and support new technologies, they will increasingly rely on a technological approach to complement, enhance, and even replace traditional legal strategies. The book breaks new ground by offering the first overarching commentary on the relationship between regulators, industry, and wider society as the new technologies of the twenty-first century achieve an ever-greater penetration in our daily lives.

This volume makes a valuable and original contribution to our understanding of the complex interaction between lawmakers, ethical values, and broader societal interests in the regulation of the emerging technologies. * Roberto Andorno, Medicine, Healthcare and Philosophy *
This is a book of impressive scope and detail and it should have a wide audience. It will encourage the reader to think deeply about the challenges we face as we engage with technology and about our commitment to core moral principles. This book is a 'must-have' for all those interested in bioethics, health law, and theories of regulation. * Belinda Bennett, Journal of Law and Society, Vol 35/4 *

Roger Brownsword is Director of TELOS (a newly created research centre focusing on technology, ethics, law, and society) and Professor of Law at King's College London. He also maintains a long-standing link with the University of Sheffield as an Honorary Professor in Law.