It has always been inevitable that regulation would come to the internet just as it has come to every major communications platform that preceded it. Once the Web became critical infrastructure and started down the path of consolidation to just a handful of large platforms, it was only a matter of time.

What is less clear is exactly what the regulation that comes should look like and how much the platforms will be trusted to self regulate rather than needing an outsider to set rules. Here are the most important points to keep in mind as technology and government parley over the coming months.