National Governments and Control of the Internet: A Digital Challenge (Routledge Research in Information Technology and Society) [Hardcover]

Giampiero Giacomello (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415331366 | ISBN-13: 978-0415331364 | Publication Date: April 19, 2005 | Edition: 1

In recent years, Internet control has become one of the major indicators to assess the balance between freedom and security in democracies. This book explores and compares why, and to what extent, national governments decide to control the Internet and how this impacts on crucial socio-economic activities and fundamental civil rights. The author provides detailed studies on the US, Germany, Italy and further case studies on Brazil, Canada, India, the Netherlands, South Africa and Switzerland, to address topics such national security, freedom of expression and privacy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Giampiero Giacomello is a post-doctoral associate at the Peace Studies Program, Cornell University and visiting professor of international relations in the Department of Politics, University of Bologna. His research interests include international relations and security, and computer networks and cyberterrorism.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (April 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415331366
• ISBN-13: 978-0415331364
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,483,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars compare US and India - interesting, September 4, 2005

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This review is from: National Governments and Control of the Internet: A Digital Challenge (Routledge Research in Information Technology and Society) (Hardcover)

Giacomello studies the extent to which governments can try to control access and usage of the Internet. While many users consider the Internet and the Web to give unfettered world wide access to any resource on the net, the reality may sometimes differ.

The book has case studies of the policies of several countries - United States, Italy and Germany. Reinforced by further analysis of Canada, India, Brazil and Switzerland. All these are democracies. Yet it is interesting how even between democracies, national policies can still make a difference. To some readers, the most interesting comparisons may be between the US and India. Between the largest industrial democracy and the most populous democracy. For India, enabling affordable access, especially to its lower income groups, is a key driver of its policies. By contrast, the US has been relatively successful in propagating access to most of its communities. In India, this is just starting. With all the current to-do about offshoring, especially to India, imagine if they could fully educate their people and put most of them on the web.