Matthew Warren and Shona Leitch
The information society has developed rapidly since the end of the twentieth century. Many countries (including Australia) have been looking at ways to protect their citizens…
Abstract
Purpose
The information society has developed rapidly since the end of the twentieth century. Many countries (including Australia) have been looking at ways to protect their citizens against the variety of risks associated with the continued evolution of the internet. The Australian Federal Government in 2013 proposed data retention as one possible method of protecting Australian society and aiding law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cyber-crime.
Design/methodology/approach
The aim of this paper is to consider the issue of data retention from a stakeholder’s perspective by analysing the public submissions garnered by the Australian Federal Government and identify the key issues and concerns that were raised by these stakeholders. The paper used a qualitative approach to undertake theme analysis.
Findings
The paper shows the concerns and wishes that different stakes holders have regarding data retention within Australia.
Originality/value
This is a unique study into implementation of data retention at a national level, in terms of the paper focussing on Australia.
Matthew Warren and Shona Leitch
The aim of the paper is to assess the hacktivist group called the Syrian Electronic Army and determine what their motivations in terms of ethical and poetical motivations.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the paper is to assess the hacktivist group called the Syrian Electronic Army and determine what their motivations in terms of ethical and poetical motivations.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper looks at chronological examples of Syrian Electronic Army activities and assess them using a developed hacktivist criteria to try and gain a greater understanding of the motivations of the Syrian Electronic Army. The paper uses a netnography research approach.
Findings
This paper determines that the Syrian Electronic Army is motivated to protect the Syrian Government. This protection is highlighted by the new media and social media organisations that the Syrian Electronic Army attacks online.
Research limitations/implications
This paper focuses only on one group the Syrian Electronic Army.
Practical implications
A greater understanding of the Syrian Electronic Army.
Social implications
A greater understanding of the development of hacktivism.
Originality/value
A unique study into the motivation of the Syrian Electronic Army.
Details
Keywords
Shona Leitch and Matthew Warren
The purpose of this study is to explore Australian public and stakeholders views towards the regulation of the Internet and its content. The federal government called for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore Australian public and stakeholders views towards the regulation of the Internet and its content. The federal government called for submissions addressing their proposal, and this paper analyses these submissions for themes and provides clarity as to the Australian public and stakeholders key concerns in regards to the proposed policy.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a qualitative approach to analyse the public consultations to the Australian Federal Government. These documents are coded and analysed to determine negative and positive viewpoints.
Findings
The research has shown, based upon the analysis of the consultation, that there was no public support for any of the measures put forward, that the Australian Federal Government in its response has not recognised this public feedback and instead has only utilised some of the qualitative feedback obtained through the public consultation process to try to justify its case to proceed with its proposals.
Research limitations/implications
The study is focussed on Australia.
Practical implications
The paper analyses a proposed national approach to filtering the content of the Internet and discussed the public reaction to such an approach.
Social implications
The paper looks at how different parts of Australian society view Internet filtering in a positive or negative manner.
Originality/value
The only study that directly looks at the viewpoint of the Australian public.
Details
Keywords
The study aims to explore institutional adaptation for sustainable water resources management at the local level in the context of increasing climate-related challenges in…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to explore institutional adaptation for sustainable water resources management at the local level in the context of increasing climate-related challenges in Zimbabwe using the case of a semi-arid area in the mid-Zambezi Valley, north of the country.
Design/methodology/approach
Inspired by the critical institutionalism approach, the study uses qualitative methods (i.e. key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, community workshops and documentary review) to understand the role of different formal and informal water-related institutions vis-à-vis responding to climate-related challenges in the case study area, and how the identified institutions can improve their efforts in the context of national water and environmental policy and regulation frameworks. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis.
Findings
The study found that climatic challenges in the case study area, as in most of rural Africa, have raised the stakes in local water management with respect to regulating access to and balancing competing interests in, and demands for, water. It ultimately argues for the embracing of complexity thinking and flexibility in local water management as well as clear coordination of institutions across scales in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.
Originality/value
The study adds to case studies and evidence-based analyses focused on institutional alternatives for climate adaptation vis-à-vis water resources management in water-stressed rural African communities.