Winner of the Telenor Research Prize for 2001 is Professor Jon Bing at the University of Oslo. He has been chosen for his pioneering work and international contribution in establishing the academic field of computers, communication and law, and not least for the effects his work has had on legal and social matters related to the new digital technologies.

The Jury's grounds for selection:
The jury has judged Professor Bing to be excellent on all the criteria set for the prize. He has over a number of years been very active in areas that are important for society, as the legal aspects of the information systems and the protection of privacy, where the formal legal structures and processes represent important tools for directing technology for the common good.

Concerning academic quality he has been an outstanding authority in his field and has developed the Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law into a center of high international standard. He has produced a number of publications that have been important inputs to the evolution of his field. His position is reflected by the number of honorary titles he has been awarded, both in Norway and abroad.

Through participation in public debate and contributions in various committees preparing new laws in the digital domain, he has had a notable influence. Bing has been among the first to analyse how digital technology necessitates re-regulation when the fields of computers, telecommunication and broadcasting converge. One of his special themes has been the impact of the new technology on copyright issues, which will be critical as the importance of content is increasing in the emerging new multimedia services.

Bing has been remarkably consistent in pursuing and developing the field of Law and Informatics ever since his first published research paper. He was early in an emerging and growing field and can boast a very impressive list of publications, both academic and popular, in a wide range of different media. Typical of his work is the connection between his research, his contribution to public documents and his popularisation of legal and technical issues.

Press release