Civilizing the Internet: Global Concerns and Efforts Toward Regulation [Paperback]

Joseph Migga Kizza (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998

Besides creating a virtual utopian landscape, the Internet has given new exposure and to some extent a veiled degree of legitimacy to all sorts of human vices. Misdeeds upon the Internet have caught many people, communities, and governments off guard, and many are struggling to come up with policies and censorship mechanisms to regulate an Internet they see as going out of control. The most affected domains are telecommunications, broadcasting, and computer services. In essence, this book discusses the convergence of the three media. It looks at the historical development of the Internet, its globalization, the concerns it has raised, and the tools available to deal with these concerns on a variety of levels. Also analyzed are the attempts being made around the globe to regulate the Internet. Students in computer, engineering, and library studies will find the book particularly helpful. It also serves those working in information-sensitive areas such as insurance and banking.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The growth of the Internet has fostered societal problems on a global scale, challenging cultural norms, laws, and values. While national governments and regional groups are attempting to regulate the Internet, they cannot do so without limiting individual freedoms. Kizza, professor of computer science and electrical engineering at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and author of Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age (Springer, 1997), reviews legislative and policy issues and measures being taken by many countries and international agencies. With timesaving, quasi-reference features, this book includes lists and source documents with supporting URLs. Its global focus gives it a niche among current monographs and is timely especially for information services and businesses planning to use the Internet. Recommended for academic libraries and public libraries that support technology and business interests. In the light of recent federal attempts to regulate libraries' ability to provide Internet access to the public (Communications Decency Act, the Child Online Protection Act), this is also a good choice for professional reading and library school collections as well.ALaverna Saunders, Salem State Coll. Lib., MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"a useful survey of development and current status of the Internet...anticipates information will be the commodity of the 21st century and that well paid work will focus on selection and analysis of information" -- Technicalities

"a useful survey of worldwide policies" -- CBQ

"explores the effects of the Internet on the rise of global societies, digital crime, and regional and multinational regulatory efforts to regulate the Internet" -- American Libraries

"proves itself very useful. ...clear, readable information" -- Public Libraries

"the discussion of regulation and control tools is very informative...recommended -- Asian Libraries

"will be useful to information technology or library school students as well as anyone needing a quick overview" -- C&RL News

Product Details

• Paperback: 169 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786405392
• ISBN-13: 978-0786405398
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,699,008 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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