Seminar | March 24 | 3:10-5 p.m. | 107 South Hall
Chris Hoofnagle
Congames are as old as human society. The advent of the internet did not alter congamesâ narratives, but the internet did alter congames operational environment, making congames much more powerful. To understand how, I revisit a consumer protection framework developed by Yale Law Professor Arthur Leff in 1976. Leff showed how market structure is a powerful factor for distinguishing illegal congames â what he called âswindlingâ â from legal âselling,â which often does involve some deception.
I will then apply Leffâs framework to explain three different internet phenomena:
First, how the internet empowered con artists.
Second, how cryptocurrencies share fundamental traits with Ponzi schemes.
And finally, that online behavioral advertising requires a monopoly market structure to deliver on its promises.
This seminar will be held both online & in person. You are welcome to join us either in South Hall or via Zoom.
For online participants
Online participants must have a Zoom account and be logged in. Sign up for your free account here. If this is your first time using Zoom, please allow a few extra minutes to download and install the browser plugin or mobile app.
Join the seminar online
510-642-1464
Catherine Cronquist Browning, catherine@ischool.berkeley.edu,
