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

by Giampiero Giacomello (Author)
Key Phrases: securitization move, accidental alliance, strong encryption software, United States, Rand Europe, The Economist (more...)

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Product Description
Over the last decade, the Internet has transformed how information can be made available-it is now used to transfer information about things as varied as financial transactions and celebrity gossip and to link and coordinate activities between otherwise isolated people, from protest groups to lonely hearts. This unprecedented ease of access to a wealth of information and contacts presents a challenge to national governments who wish to control and restrain some of this activity.

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 how, 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 cyber terrorism, the protection of information infrastructure, and the impact on individual privacy and freedom of speech.

This is the first cross-country, comparative study on the issue of Internet control. It will be of interest to international relations scholars and students, and particularly those with an interest in the Internet.

About the Author
Giampiero Giacomello is a post-doctoral associate at the Peace Studies Program, Cornell University and a visiting professor of international relations in the department of Politics, University of Bologna.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 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.com Sales Rank: #3,053,946 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.