Ethical and Legal Aspects of Human Subjects Research on the Internet
http://www.aaas.org/spp/sfrl/projects/intres/report.pdf

AAAS
1999

Abstract:

Many IRBs recognize their unfamiliarity with the nature of Internet research and their lack of technical expertise needed to review related research protocols. To both protect human subjects and promote innovative and scientifically sound research, it is important to consider the ethical, legal, and technical issues associated with this burgeoning area of research.