ICT and Societal Challenges

摘要

Information and communication technology (ICT) has been recognized as an important catalyst for national progress and social transformation, an insight that motivated early 20th century telecom regulations ensuring universal access for all citizens. More recently, we have witnessed how governments, nongovernmental organizations, and organic social movements can use ICT to create increased participation, transparency, and accountability for previously voiceless people in the developing nations of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. But, as Rob Kling (1996) reminded us, ICT's consequences are not universally positive: ICT can contribute to unemployment and increased economic disparity, as well as labor and financial market instability and a host of other social problems.