Jerry Berman and Daniel J. Weltzner
With dramatic increases in reliance on digital media for communications, the need for comprehensive protection of privacy in these media grows. The scope of the digital…
Abstract
With dramatic increases in reliance on digital media for communications, the need for comprehensive protection of privacy in these media grows. The scope of the digital communications revolution (of which we stand only at the very beginning), poses major new challenges for those concerned about protecting communications privacy. Communication which is carried on paper through the mail system, or over the wire‐based public telephone network is relatively secure from random intrusion by others. But the same communication traveling over a wireless communication system, or in a digital format, is vulnerable to being intercepted by relatively inexpensive, easy‐to‐obtain technology. If designed and deployed properly, communications technology has the potential to actually support and enhance the level of privacy that we all enjoy. But if, in the design process, privacy concerns are slighted, whether consciously or not, privacy may be compromised.
Commercial non‐solicited communications are a growing problem bringing calls for tighter anti‐Spam legislation. This paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of opt‐in and…
Abstract
Commercial non‐solicited communications are a growing problem bringing calls for tighter anti‐Spam legislation. This paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of opt‐in and opt‐out schemes. An opt‐in scheme would provide the best protection for citizens’ privacy and property. However, the fragmented way in which EU legislation is being implemented shows how the geographic limitations of the legislation may make opt‐in partially useless and harmful for competition. This paper therefore concludes that opt‐out with “public” international lists are the best compromise.
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The librarian‐writer recounts through his personal narrative why writing for publication should be an important aspect of professional performance and leadership for librarians in…
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The librarian‐writer recounts through his personal narrative why writing for publication should be an important aspect of professional performance and leadership for librarians in all libraries, and how professional communication creates even greater opportunities and rewards in developing professionally ‐ from getting published in library journals, to monographs, to undertaking the editing of an international collection of coming out stories and research by gay, lesbian and bisexual librarians. The methods by which the researcher decides to write for publication are also examined.
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Profiles broadband communications, wondering whether AOL Time Warner will keep its side of the bargain that promises to provide a universal telephone service, in exchange for…
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Profiles broadband communications, wondering whether AOL Time Warner will keep its side of the bargain that promises to provide a universal telephone service, in exchange for accepting regulations regarding monopoly. Recommends that only by quality of service monitoring can AOL Time Warner be seen to be keeping its side of the bargain. Concludes that quality of service monitoring is a timely approach in the USA with regard to broadband communications systems.
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Analogies used to describe the National Research and Education Network (NREN) range from the national highway system, to the regional canals, to an intertwined postal‐telephone…
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Analogies used to describe the National Research and Education Network (NREN) range from the national highway system, to the regional canals, to an intertwined postal‐telephone system. Five years from today, I believe the NREN will have earned its rightful place as a new model for building a strong America and enabling still undreamed of concepts to flourish.
The United Stales Government Printing Office (GPO) intends to transform itself from an ink on paper printer to a multimedia disseminator of government information products and…
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The United Stales Government Printing Office (GPO) intends to transform itself from an ink on paper printer to a multimedia disseminator of government information products and services. Although the existing federal information policy system is confused and at times contradictory, the GPO has statutory responsibilities to insure the public's access to government information. The approaches, underlying principles, and strategies upon which the GPO will rely for the forthcoming years to transform itself are described. An essential ingredient for successful dissemination of government electronic information will be cooperation among the various stakeholder groups concerned with access to government information.
Discusses the telecommunications infrastructure of the USA andissues surrounding its restructuring. Describes the role and impact ofbroadband Integrated Services Digital Network…
Abstract
Discusses the telecommunications infrastructure of the USA and issues surrounding its restructuring. Describes the role and impact of broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) in applications development and the societal implications of this change. Points out that global development of broadband technologies makes personal access to multimedia applications possible and promotes new information‐sharing partnerships. Argues for an holistic, ethical approach to future development of ISDN.
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America's movement to a digital network infrastructure may be threatened by the unavailability of high‐speed network channels to some sources of information. One reason for…
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America's movement to a digital network infrastructure may be threatened by the unavailability of high‐speed network channels to some sources of information. One reason for unavailability is fear by network intermediaries that they face legal liability for carrying harmful messages. Yet changing the law to require network intermediaries to provide equal access to their services raises First Amendment questions.