“Code is law” is a phrase coined by Lawrence Lessig in his book, Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace, first published in 1999. Lessig used this phrase to emphasize the influence of software and technology in shaping society’s rules and norms.

“Code is law” conveys the idea that the code or protocols running on computers and networks have a kind of regulatory effect, in much the same way as legal codes do. In the realm of the internet, these code-based rules can have significant impact on behavior, sometimes more so than traditional laws, because they are omnipresent and can’t be broken without hacking or modifying the system.

For instance, the code underlying social media platforms influences who sees your posts and how discussions are structured. Similarly, the code of a digital payment system can determine how transactions are handled and tracked. This is how code becomes a form of regulation or ‘law.’

In the context of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, “code is law” also emphasizes the idea of smart contracts — self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, making them transparent, immutable, and without need for a middleman.

However, this phrase has also sparked debates about the limits and potential dangers of letting code govern systems. For instance, if the code has flaws or vulnerabilities, it can lead to unfair or harmful outcomes. Thus, there is an ongoing discussion about the need for oversight, accountability, and the role of traditional legal systems in governing digital spaces.

The interrobang “‽” is a unique typographical symbol, amalgamating the question mark and the exclamation point, colloquially known as a “bang” among printers and programmers. This multifunctional punctuation mark, often represented by ?!, !?, ?!?, ?!!, !??, or !?!, merges inquiry and emphasis. Martin K. Speckter first introduced this intriguing ligature in 1962.

A sentence—or in the instant case, a word—ending with an interrobang asks a question in an excited manner, expresses excitement, disbelief or confusion in the form of a question, or asks a rhetorical question.