Status 1 84

Status of Research on the Information
Society
Status of Research on the Information
Society
U N E S C O P u b l i c a t i o n s f o r t h e Wo r l d S u m m i t
on the Information Society
Edited by Kwame Boafo

The designations employed and the presentation of material
throughout this publication do not imply the expression of any
opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal
status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities,
or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The
authors are responsible for the choice and the presentation of
the facts contained in this book and for the opinions expressed
therein, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not
commit the Organization.
Published in 2003 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific

and Cultural Organization 7, place de Fontenoy F-75352 Paris
07 SP
Composed and Printed by Jouve, Paris
UNESCO 2003
Printed in France
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
UNESCO has fully supported the World Summit on the Information

Society (WSIS) preparatory process from its beginning, and has succeeded
in defining and promoting its positions while setting the ground for its con-
tribution to the Declaration of Principles and the Plan of Action that the
Summit is expected to adopt. UNESCOs proposed elements for inclusion in
the Declaration of Principles and the Plan of Action are based on its
mandate, which leads it to promote the concept of knowledge societies,
rather than that of global information society since enhancing information
flows alone is not sufficient to grasp the opportunities for development that
is offered by knowledge. Therefore, a more complex, holistic and compre-
hensive vision and a clearly developmental perspective are needed.
The proposals are responses to the main challenges posed by the

construction of knowledge societies: first, to narrow the digital divide that
accentuates disparities in development, excluding entire groups and coun-
tries from the benefits of information and knowledge; second to guarantee
the free flow of, and equitable access to, data, information, best practices
and knowledge in the information society; and third to build international
consensus on newly required norms and principles.
Knowledge societies should be firmly based on a commitment to

human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression.
They should also ensure the full realization of the right to education and of
all cultural rights. In knowledge societies, access to the public domain of
information and knowledge for educational and cultural purposes should be
as broad as possible providing high quality, diversified and reliable informa-
tion. Particular emphasis should be given to diversity of cultures and lan-
guages.
In knowledge societies, the production and dissemination of educa-

tional, scientific and cultural materials, the preservation of the digital heri-
tage, the quality of teaching and learning should be regarded as crucial ele-
ments. Networks of specialists and of virtual interest groups should be
developed, as they are key to efficient and effective exchanges and coopera-
tion in knowledge societies. ICTs should be seen both as educational disci-
pline and as pedagogical tools in developing effective educational services.
Lastly, these technologies are not merely tools, they inform and
shape our modes of communication, and also the processes of our thinking
and our creativity. How should we act so that this revolution of minds and
instruments is not merely the privilege of a small number of economically
highly developed countries? How can we ensure access for all can to these
information and intellectual resources, and overcome the social, cultural and
linguistic obstacles? How should we promote the publication on line of
increasingly more diversified contents, potentially a source of enrichment
for the whole of humanity? What teaching opportunities are offered by
these new means of communication?
These are crucial questions to which answers must be found if

knowledge societies are to become a reality, and offer a world-wide space
for interaction and exchange. They are also questions which the actors of
the development of these technologies States, private enterprise and civil
society must answer together.
On the occasion of the World Summit on the Information Society,

UNESCO intends to make available to all participants a series of documents
summarizing some of the most worrying questions which have just been
mentioned. These will help participants to take the measure of the upheav-
als brought about by the emergence of the new information and communica-
tion technologies (NICTs), and will deal with the potential for development,
the difficulties encountered, possible solutions, and the various projects
implemented by UNESCO and its many partners.
Abdul Waheed KHAN

UNESCOs Assistant Director-General
for Communication and Information
Table of contents
GENERAL INTRODUCTION 5
INTRODUCTION 11
1 Information Communication Technologies

(ICTs) and Gender 13
Introduction ............................................. 13
Research methods ..................................... 13
Overview of issues ..................................... 14
Communication through use of computers ..... 16
Education through use of ICTs ..................... 17
Access to and use of ICTs: gender differen-
ces.......................................................... 18
Gender inequality ...................................... 19
Womens use of ICTs in developing coun-
tries ........................................................ 19
Key issues in gender and use of ICTs ............ 22
Women in ICT policy making and produc-
tion skills ............................................. 22
Women in science and technology educa-
tion ..................................................... 24
Women and literacy ............................... 25
Lack of time ......................................... 25
Cost of equipment and connectivity .......... 26
The language problem ............................ 26
Future prospects and areas of further
research................................................... 27
2 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Media and

Information Networks 33
Introduction ............................................. 33
General overview ....................................... 34
Cultural and linguistic diversity in informa-
tion technologies ................................... 36
Some key issues ........................................ 37
Entertainment Industry........................... 37
Market economy .................................... 38
English dominance on the Internet ............... 39
Access to information technology ............. 42
Preservation of cultural and linguistic
diversity and representation of ethnic
minorities ............................................ 43
Future prospects ................................... 44
3 Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression in

the Information Society: Selected Studies and
Projects 49
Introduction ............................................. 49
Conclusions and recommendations ............... 54
Democracy and pluralism ........................ 55
Press freedom ....................................... 55
Regulation issues .................................. 56
Global governance ................................. 57
4 Information and Communication Technologies

and Persons with Disabilities 59
Introduction ............................................. 59
Computers ............................................ 61
Education and awareness ........................ 63
The media ............................................ 65
Telecommunication ................................ 67
Conclusions and recommendations ............... 68
5 Info-ethics and Universal Access to

Information and Knowledge 73
Introduction ............................................. 73
Some ethical issues ................................... 74
Privacy, confidentiality and security ......... 74
Trust, ownership and validity of informa-
tion ..................................................... 75
Public vs. private goods.......................... 75
Hate and violence on Internet.................. 76
Universal access to information and knowl-
edge .................................................... 77
E-learning ............................................ 78
E-governance ........................................ 79
E-commerce ......................................... 80
Conclusions .............................................. 80
INTRODUCTION
While it is true that the information society is a frequently heard

concept and an expression in common use, the reality to which it refers is
complex, and subject to many possible interpretations. What, then, can we
say about the studies which attempt to define its outlines? Their immense
diversity results not only from the variety of communication media in exist-
ence, but also from the multiplicity of issues for analysis, and finally, of
course, from the research objectives and methods adopted.
However, it is precisely because this is a field in a perpetual state of

flux that it seemed necessary to us to offer a progress report on the current
state of research undertaken in the area of the information society. Clearly,
we could not embark upon drawing up a bibliographical inventory with any
claim to being exhaustive. As we have stated, the research subjects and ref-
erence sources are far too varied, and their number is constantly increasing.
What we have undertaken is thus rather an exercise in methodology, the
results of which we set forth in this publication. How should issues for
analysis be defined? How should the sources of information available be
classified and evaluated? How should the information thus gathered be
used? Such are the main questions that we shall approach in the course of
this work.
Pursuing further this line of thinking, we have selected five subjects

for more detailed research. They are linked by one common characteristic:
each of them represents one of the issues which UNESCO believes it is nec-
essary to address if we are to build a information society which is just and
universal. Thus, cultural and linguistic diversity, freedom of expression and
Infoethics are essential components of the information society as envisaged
by UNESCO. Two other issues, equality of the sexes and the situation of the
people with disabilities, in our view possess symbolic value. Access for all
to information technologies runs up against a number of pre-existing
obstacles which we must address.
11
Status of Research on the Information Society
Simply to mention these issues gives a foretaste of the difficulty of

the task. It is not simply a question of gathering technical information or
finding the most precise figures possible. However, although much of the
data on these issues cannot be quantified, it is by no means impossible to
analyse the current state of research in these areas. Moreover, it requires a
rigorous, ordered approach to sources and the information which they offer.
The groundwork of the studies proposed respects certain essential require-
ments, from an initial effort to define the subject to be researched, to a typo-
logical classification of the studies consulted and the drawing up of general
conclusions and proposed avenues for further thought.
And that is the ultimate goal of this collection. More than a simple
overview of the current state of research, it aims to provide all researchers,
academics and professionals who so wish with some ideas and suggestions
to find their way around the vast mass of research undertaken and produced
on various aspects of the use of information and communication technolo-
gies.
12
Chapter 1
Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Gender
Magdallen N. Juma
African Virtual University
Nairobi, Kenya
Introduction
This report focuses on research that has been conducted internation-

ally on the topic of gender and the use of information and communication
technologies (ICTs). The report presents a brief analysis of various research
studies and scholarly publications examined, focusing on the main trends
identified and some gaps in the body of literature consulted. The report also
includes some recommendations for future investigations.
Research methods
Relevant information focusing on research that has been carried out

in this particular field from 1998 to 2001 was gathered from a variety of
sources. Books, journal articles, web documents, and library databases were
used in order to compile as comprehensive a bibliography as possible of the
research done in the subject area. Ability to scan the literature more broadly
than this was constrained by the need to produce work against a tight time-
frame. Given time and financial constraints, we relied heavily on the Web as
a significant source of information for the compilation of relevant studies
undertaken. Although the study may have benefited from additional access
to libraries, we are confident that the final product represents reasonably
well the range of research conducted in this area between 1998 and 2001.
This is particularly so because that period correlates with a time of matura-
tion of the Internet as a repository for serious academic research. In cases
where we were unable to secure access to resources (mostly only a problem
in relation to published books), we often managed to find book reviews and
publishers abstracts which gave a good sense of the focus of the publica-
tion.
13
Our literature scan did reveal a wealth of relevant reports that have not
been examined because the research was not done between 1998 and 2001.
In particular, the period between 1993 and 1996 appears to have been one in
which many seminal documents on ICTs and gender were produced. In
2002, there also appears to have been a renewed interest in the field, par-
ticularly with respect to use of ICTs in developing countries.
Overview of issues
A scan of the World Wide Web and of bibliographic databases indi-
cates that there is tremendous research interest in the field of ICTs and gen-
der. The sources of research are widespread, but there appears to be two pri-
mary sources:
1. University departments, particularly universities in developed countries
(although this observation may be skewed by relatively poorer quality
access to the Internet in developing countries) and most often from Gen-
der Studies Units and Departments; and
2. International donor agencies, including structures such as the World
Bank, UNESCO, and the International Telecommunications Union.
Other secondary sources of research include non-governmental organiza-

tions (NGOs) and government departments.
Although the generalization does not hold in all instances, the research
from university departments tends to focus more on generic issues relating
to ICTs and gender, most often using case studies from developed countries.
Research commissioned or funded by donor agencies tends to focus prima-
rily on use of ICTs in developing countries, as does that of NGOs. Govern-
ment research is usually commissioned to inform policy development.
Quantitatively, significantly more research has been done in and focuses on
ICT use in developed countries, although there is a steady growth since
1999 in research focusing on developing countries. It is notable that papers
focusing on developing countries tend to be characterized by less rigorous
research than those done in developed countries. A large percentage of
papers on developing countries is a result of research processes funded by
international donor agencies, which generally have less rig orous research
requirements than academic processes. There are some case study research
14
projects based in developing countries, but it is clear from the scan that
detailed, micro-level research on the dynamics of ICT use and gender tends
to be far more rigorous when analyzing developed world case studies, and
there are also significantly more developed case studies from developed than
from the developing countries. Much of the information available and previ-
ous research done regarding ICTs and gender issues is fairly general and
tends to focus primarily on access to ICTs by women and their experiences
in the use of ICTs. There are also some cases that focus on the use of ICTs
within specific sectors such as education or agriculture, but these are gener-
ally few. Our scan of the research, focusing on the period between 1998 and
2001, illustrated two main themes: (i) the extent to which women are able to
access and use ICTs; and (ii) various ways in which women make use of
ICTs, and their general experiences. More specific issues that are considered
include the differences between males and females with regard to their
access to and use of ICTs and gender equality as well as individuals
unequal social, legal, political, and cultural treatment as a result of their
gender.
Regarding womens experiences when using ICTs, it is interesting to note

that much research seeks to test the hypothesis that, because the Internet is a
virtual environment, issues of gender will disappear and all users will be
able to behave and interact as equals. However, in the research that we
examined, there is little that proves this hypothesis after sustained case
study analysis. On the contrary, most studies on this theme tends to confirm
that males have dominated the Internet since its inception. Although use of
the Internet by women has increased dramatically in the last few years,
women and girls still use the Internet less and in different ways from men.
Low Internet use by females not only gives them less access to informa-
tion and services online, but also can have negative economic and educa-
tional consequences. Historically, females have been less likely to embrace
new technology than males. Negative attitudes towards new technology
underlie females reporting less computer experience as well as less com-
puter competence and less favourable attitudes towards computers than
males. Gendered communication differences also affect Internet interactions
and lead to male domination in Internet discussion groups. Research gener-
ally has shown that male online communication is status-enhancing and
adversarial while females online communication is supportive and tentative.
15
These communication styles may deter greater female participation online,

and cause disparities between males and females with regard to their use of
ICTs.
Issues such as the above tend to be a greater preoccupation in developed

country contexts, where problems of physical access to ICTs are relatively
minor compared to the developing countries. Consequently, in research into
ICTs and gender in developing countries, the focus tends to be at a socio-
political level, analysing factors that prevent women from being able to
access and use ICTs at all. Unlike much of the research in developed coun-
tries, this kind of research usually has a pragmatic focus, often concluding
by presenting models to make ICTs more accessible to women or recom-
mendations to overcome barriers inhibiting such access. Analysis of ICTs
and gender use in developing countries is often also integrated with analysis
of poverty and ICTs access, based on the reality that poor women tend to be
the most disadvantaged in developing societies.
The report, therefore, focuses on issues and studies relating to: (i) com-
munication through the use of of computers; (ii) education through the use
of ICTs; (iii) differences between males and females access to ICTs; (iv)
gender inequality in social, legal, political and cultural treatment; (v) wom-
ens use of ICTs in developing countries; (vi) some key issues in gender and
use of ICTs; and (vii) future prospects and suggestions for further research.
Communication through use of computers

On examination of the research done in this field, it was found that
two competing theories exist regarding computer-mediated communication
(CMC). The first suggests that online communication is equal. Individuals
that use the Internet are stripped of voice inflections, body language, and
other common cues of conversation, allowing women to participate in online
communications in the same way as men. The lack of these social cues and
of hierarchy in the structure of the Internet provides the potential for equal-
ity in cyberspace. The second theory concerns the tendency for Internet
users to display features of culturally learned gender styles in their mes-
sages, and for gender differences to work to the disadvantage of women.
This theory suggests that online interaction is merely a reflection of real
world conversation where men dominate and that the issues of power in
16
cyberspace are similar to the issues of power in physical space. The notion
of freedom of speech has been used in order to defend online harassment as
freedom of expression and to construct female resistance to such harassment
as censorship. Based on this theory, it becomes clear that social parity can
only exist in an environment of tolerance and respect for diversity amongs
users. Most research we consulted tend to disprove the first theory, arguing
through detailed case study analysis that ICTs do not actually serve to
remove culturally learned gender styles (Barrett, 1999; Herring, 1998; Her-
ring, 1999; Millar, 1998; Soukup, 2001).
Education through use of ICTs
In some case studies, contextual analysis of online dialogues was

used to investigate socio-emotional behavior. In many ways, this type of
research expands on the issues that have been discussed above, examining
the different roles played by males and females in the online learning envi-
ronment. Again the data analysed suggest that men and women assume dis-
tinctively different roles in online learning environments. The cognitive and
metacognitive content of the online seminar contributions by men and
women was found to be similar, but their social and interactive behaviour
was significantly different. For example, in one research it was found that,
within a formal online learning environment, men sent more messages than
women, they wrote messages that were twice as long, and made more socio-
emotional contributions. Male participants were also seen to be aggressive,
argumentative, and power-oriented. Women, however, were found to con-
tribute more interactive messages than men, sought relationships, and inti-
macy and were often dominated and over-powered by the aggressive dis-
course of the masculine members.
An additional gender disparity detected with regard to the use of ICTs for
educational purposes was demonstrated by examining the physical interac-
tion between males and females in computer science classes. It was found
that the majority of girls in computer science classes were seen to be
unhappy as a result of being picked on by the boys in their class, and feared
interacting with the other girls. This is an example of a theme common in
gender studies, which extend beyond the field of ICTs, relating to the extent
17
to which females in schools are conditioned or encouraged not to

engage in particular learning areas such as mathematics, science, and tech-
nology.
This theme has very specific dimensions in developing countries, where

girls face even more barriers to ICT access than in developed countries. For
example, in these contexts, girls are often discouraged from attending sec-
ondary schools (where the largest percentage of ICT infrastructure invest-
ment tends to be located), and are expected to perform a range of domestic
duties not expected of boys. In these contexts, research indicates that girls
face great difficulties in accessing ICTs. Where they do access ICT, they
face the kinds of problems outlined in the previous paragraph. Overarching
all of this in research on developing countries is the reality that, for most
children (girls and boys), any form of ICTs access is simply not possible
(Barrett, 1999; Burka, 2001; Daly, 2000; Freeman, 1999).
Access to and use of ICTs: gender differences

Studies over the past two years have shown that males and females
differ in terms of their access to and use of computers, and this tends to be
confirmed in research conducted between 1998 and 2001. The disparities in
which males and females use computers exist along various dimensions.
Male students take more courses in which computers are used, they use
computers more frequently in their recreational time; and stay on them for a
greater length of time than female students. Several popular theories regard-
ing gender differences in this field have been examined. Historically, there
are three main hypotheses used in the research of gender differences: (i)
genetic differences, (ii) different learning behaviours, and (iii) a combination
of both. Most research indicates that males and females are not biologically
different, but rather have different opinions about computers and their usage.
Research of this kind continues the themes outlined above. It adds to the
debate by suggesting that differences in ICTs use are sociological in nature.
Although this has some negative consequences (particularly in terms of dis-
couraging females from using ICTs regularly), there are also some indica-
tions of potentially more constructive applications of ICTs implicit in these
differences. The example of different kinds of interaction in the online learn-
ing environments cited above suggests that there may be broader social ben-
18
efits in trying to foster applications of ICTs based on interaction and

relationship-building rather than confrontation and adversarial relationships
(Green and Adam, 2000; Kirkpatrick, 1998; Martin, 1998).
Gender inequality
One of the key elements in discussing the digital divide is the
uneven distribution of technologies within societies as well as across the
world. Internet usage is often taken to be a standard indicator of the use of
ICTs. The Academy for Educational Developments LearnLink project in
recent years carried out research regarding the use of ICTs and women in
developing countries. The research found that women in developing coun-
tries face considerable obstacles in gaining access to ICTs. The study looked
at data from nearly 30 countries and found that less than 1 per cent of the
total population in all developing countries use the Internet. These users
generally are from the urban, educated elite, and primarily use computers in
the workplace for routine office work. According to this and other similar
studies, among the obstacles to womens access to ICTs are low levels of lit-
eracy and education, language, time, cost, geographical location of facilities,
social and cultural norms, and insufficient computer and information man-
agement skills.
However, it is notable that most research of this kind is characterized by
weak statistical data. This is not a criticism of the research itself, but rather
an indication of the reality that gathering quantitative data in developing
countries contexts is notoriously difficult. This is made more complicated in
fields such as gender studies because very little quantitative data gathered
differentiates between males and females. This does not mean that conclu-
sions reached such as those outlined above are suspect. It does, however,
point to a need to find mechanisms to define the extent of problems pertain-
ing to ICTs use and gender more sharply by finding ways to improve the
systematic gathering of quantitative data on male and female patterns of use
of ICTs.
Womens use of ICTs in developing countries

It is generally difficult to obtain data on Internet usage by gender by
country, especially in developing countries. The International Telecommuni-
19
cation Union (ITU) gathers data on Internet use by countries, but the data is
not sex-desegregated. The available sources of information include market-
ing surveys and ad hoc research projects that have sex-desegregated data.
From these figures, that there does not appear to be any correlations
between womens Internet usage and expected indicators such as female lit-
eracy rate, female GDP per capita, female representation in professional and
technical jobs or even gender empowerment. Some of the countries with
high percentages of women users are countries where overall users remain
limited to a very small elite, especially in the less industrialized countries
(Hafkin and Taggart, 2001).
According to regional statistics, more than 90 per cent of Internet users

are in industrialized countries, with 57 per cent being in the U.S. and
Canada alone. High current growth rates as well as potential growth are
apparent in Asia, particularly in China and India. It has been observed that,
just as the percentage of women users in the U.S. has been growing rapidly
to the point where women are now a majority of users of the Internet, wom-
ens use has been growing in developing countries. However, while wom-
ens use is growing rapidly, in many cases it is not sufficiently captured due
to inadequate statistics. As illustrated by data from the International Tele-
communication Union, in the U.S. where 46 per cent of homes have Internet
access, many women have become as connected as men and using the com-
puter has become a home activity that takes up many hours of womens
time each week.
In contrast, except in the upper income enclaves, home access to comput-

ers and to Internet is not a common phenomenon in developing countries.
When women have access, they generally have it at work and they use it in
their work places. As Bautista points out, in India all electronic media, rang-
ing from satellite television to e-mail and the Internet are accessible only to
the privileged classes and cater almost exclusively to the predominantly
male information and entertainment needs and desires (Bautista, 1999). In
Bangladesh, the cost of hooking up to the Internet could feed a family for a
year. In the African setting, Morna and Khan state that the majority of
women who can access information technology have it only at work (Morna
and Khan, 2000). For the users at work, there are those women who use
information technology largely as tools of production, namely, routine office
work, data entry, programming and others, and those who use IT as tools of
20
communication, i.e. creating and exchanging information, especially those

working in NGOs, academia as well as the public and private sector.
It should be noted that information technology has had a progressive

social impact in developing countries and has become identified with the
quest for democracy and environmental protection. Hafkin (2000) notes that
the first linkages between gender information technology and developing
countries started with the work of NGONet in the preparation for the 1992
U.N. Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil. NGONeTs aim was to give women and other civil society groups
from developing countries a chance to use electronic communication to
express their views in a global development forum. NGONet inspired the
creation of the APC Womens Networking Support Progamme (WNSP)
which has become the single largest force globally in stimulating the use of
information technology on behalf of womens cases in developing countries
(Hafkin, 2000). The Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
womens programme has not only used the new media for information
exchange, but also led efforts to get women access to training in the use of
new technologies. The result has been a large surge in activities facilitated
by information technology on the part of womens NGOs globally.
Brisco (2000) observed that some women in developing countries use

electronic communication for networking to promote their business interests.
Although this is an area which is far less developed than that of politically
activist networking, it represents an interesting area with possibilities for
further development. Federations of business and professional women from
many countries were joined in a business-to-business network that was con-
necting with business women in North America as trade partners, suppliers,
and contacts. Regrettably, the enterprise closed down at the end of 2000
(Brisco, 2000). Women entrepreneurs in small scale and medium scale busi-
ness are using information technology in the operations and management of
their businesses. Although not to the same extent as comparable groups of
men are doing, womens NGOs and womens businesses are undoubtedly
using information technology to make their organizations and enterprises
more effective and efficient.
Gallagher (2000) adds that, with the news of women in the U.S. overtak-
ing men as users of the Internet during the first quarter of 2000, more
21
dot.com retailers are directing their web presence towards women consum-
ers. Commercial forces are exporting this approach to women in developing
countries and commercial portals directed at women consumers have
emerged, aimed at women in China, India and Latin America (Gallagher,
2000). Hafkin and Taggart (2001) point out that the e-mail is the major
information technology application that womens organizations and indi-
vidual women in developing countries use. The predominance of e-mail
over other applications is almost universally true among women, given the
time constraints that most women face. However, in such countries, much of
the choice of application is conditioned by the available bandwidth and
speed of the connections. Where there are good telecommunication infra-
structure and fair number of women connected, there is more use of the
World Wide Web. Where there is less concentration, it is on e-mail and elec-
tronic discussion groups (Hafkin and Taggart, 2001).
Key issues in gender and use of ICTs
Women in ICT policy making and production skills
Although womens use of information technology has witnessed an

increasing surge, available evidence indicates that women are conspicuously
absent from decision-making structures. These structures include boards and
senior management of private IT companies; senior management and advi-
sors of policy and regulatory organizations such as the International Tele-
communication Union, the World Trade Organization, the World Intellectual
Property Organization, technical standards setting organizations, industry
and professional organizations such as the Internet Society, national policy
and regulatory organizations, line ministries responsible for the IT sector,
and international development organizations and agencies. Yet, as Marcelle
(2000) points out, empirical research confirms that policy making in techno-
logical fields often ignores the needs, requirements and aspirations of
women, unless gender analysis is included. It is further noted that even
when gender is introduced at a conceptual level, policy-makers often rely on
poor, outdated, incomplete and inaccurate data.
Women are also few and far between as producers of Internet content,
programmes, designs, inventions and fixers of computers. This particular
22
issue has generated considerable concern about women, especially in less

industrialized countries who are passive consumers of ICTs rather than pro-
ducers and lack the skills and opportunities to attain leadership roles in
ICTs. Mitter (2000) is particularly concerned that, as the economies of the
future are increasingly based around ICTs, women solely using information
technology risk being disenfranchised from the positions of power related to
ICTs and unable to develop ICTs that address womens needs, interests, and
priorities that men who design and produce the technology may disregard.
Generally, women tend to be concentrated in end user, lower skilled ICTs

jobs related to word processing or data entry and make up small percentages
of managerial, maintenance and design personnel in networks, operating
systems, or software. It is argued that the low representation in the produc-
tion and design of ICTs is a result of reduced access to education, socio-
cultural norms which discourage women from studying science and technol-
ogy and feminization of the ICTs jobs that women hold. Mitter (2000) notes
that the under- or non-representation in the decision making process in both
developed and developing countries is particularly striking in the new ICTs
industries which are relatively free of the historic gender-based division in
labour, and where one might expect women to fare better. The issue seems
to be that this disparity reflects the global division of labour with women
generally relegated to lower level positions and unable to break through
glass ceilings of arrangements.
Marcelle (2000) observes that until very recently no consideration was

given to gender-differentiated impacts in ICT policy formulation. The land-
scape seems to be changing because of the intervention led by United
Nations University Institute for New Technologies (UNU-INTECH) and the
United Nations Development Fund for Women. The ITU considered gender
issues at the World Telecommunications Development Conference in March
1998 and, because of this policy advocacy, the ITU also established a task
force in gender issues and mainstreaming gender into ITU work. The pro-
gramme of work commits ITU to assisting Member States with the imple-
mentation of gender analysis in their national telecommunications policy
planning, introduction of gender desegregation into statistical series, and
integration of gender considerations into programmes such as the universal
right to communicate, telemedicine, tele-education, telecommunications and
the environment (Marcelle, 2000).
23
In the U.S., the number of women in telecommunications training insti-

tutes whose graduates often move into leadership positions in the informa-
tion and communications technology field, has been increasing considerably.
The institutes have an explicit objective to increase womens participation in
telecommunication and reform or regulation. The Bureau of Telecommuni-
cations Development which has a very strong focus on information and
communication technology routinely includes a gender focus in its major
messages in development activities.
Women in science and technology education

Science and technology education is one of the key prerequisites for
work in information technology, especially for computer programmers, engi-
neers, system analysts and others. In the U.S., it is said that girls enrolment
in college preparatory mathematics and science courses has been rising
steadily in the last 30 years or so. For example, in California more girls than
boys are taking college preparatory courses in maths and science. Rathgeber
(2000), however, notes that girls still lag behind in physical and computer
science. It is noted that American women are much more likely to study bio-
logical and health sciences than physical sciences, engineering or technol-
ogy. There was much concern in the U.S. about the low number of women
students majoring in computer science. In 1998, for example, women were
only 1520 per cent of undergraduates in computer science at leading uni-
versities. The percentage of women receiving bachelors degrees in this field
actually recreased from 37 per cent in 1984 to 27 per cent in 1995, accord-
ing to one study (Margolis et. al. 1999).
Womens enrolment rates in science are said to be lower than those of

men globally. Even when more girls enroll in schools, poor schooling and
negative attitudes towards girl students in general and espe cially as students
of mathematics and science, frequently leave them without the necessary
basic education to continue in scientific and technological studies. Girls in
developing countries are much less likely than boys to enroll in science and
technology courses, mathematics or computer science from the secondary
school level onwards (Hafkin and Taggart, 2001). Research on academic
programmes in science and technology worldwide suggests that certain
notions of science and engineering contribute to womens low enrolment in
tertiary level programmes in these fields. According to findings from a study
24
in 2000 by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), girls

and women find technology related areas unappealing because they associate
them with jobs that are solitary, passive and sedentary (AAUW,
2000). Another research found out that girls and women have the precon-
ception that engineering is a dirty, heavy or manual occupation, and they
seem to lack a clear understanding of what engineers do (Hersh, 2000).
Women outside the U.S. also show an aversion to studying information
technology.
Women and literacy

In more general terms, women and men need basic literary and
numeracy in order to read and compose simple messages, navigate the Inter-
net and execute commands in most software applications. Since women
make up nearly two thirds of the worlds illiterate population and one out of
every two women in developing countries is illiterate, women are more
likely than men to lack the basic literacy and computer skills required to
take advantage of the new global communication opportunities, as Fraser-
Abder and Mehta (2000) point out. Women face greater challenges in pursu-
ing education at all ages because of lack of time to attend school, familial
and household duties, lack of control of funds to pay for education, and
socio-cultural norms that give female education low priority. In developing
countries in particular, while gender gaps in primary and secondary school
enrolment have narrowed in recent years, girls still comprise two thirds of
the school age children who have no access to basic education and they are
much less likely than boys to enroll in mathematics and computer science
courses.
Lack of time
Women in developing countries have multitudes of other problems in
their participation in ICTs. Huyer (1999) sees time as a major barrier as
childrens responsibilities rest on the shoulders of women and girls; hence
they are less likely to have free time to spend using the Internet whether at
home, at work or at the public Internet centers. Lack of time is repeatedly
cited in many studies as a major obstacle to seeking information, becom-
ing familiar with computer use, getting help, preparing materials,
upholding them and responding to e-mail, setting up a website, screen-
25
ing through information, and many others. This issue of time is closely
related to the geographic locations of public Internet centres which seriously
affect women in developing countries. Most public Internet centres are gen-
erally located in big towns and at times they are long distances from resi-
dential areas. Since more women than men live in rural areas, the gender
gap in Internet access runs parallel to the rural/urban divide. Rural areas
where women constitute 60 per cent of the population often lack the
resources and infrastructure for ICTs.
Cost of equipment and connectivity
Equipment and connection costs are generally excessive for most

people in developing countries. As most homes lack computers, women are
most unlikely to afford access to public sites. User fees charged for Internet
access at public venues may not be within reach of women who generally
have less access than men to resources to pay for fees. As women continue
to join the labour force in greater numbers, access to ICTs offered through
the work place is one possible avenue available to educated, middle class
women with office jobs. However, in most developing countries, many
women are far more likely to work in the informal sector, including domes-
tic services and home-based working or in manufacturing than in offices.
Women who work in these sectors are unlikely to have access to comput-
ers.
The language problem
The Global Networking for Change cites language as a major

obstacle to womens participation in ICTs. The overwhelming dominance of
English and, to a lesser extent, of other major international languages in the
Internet excludes access to the majority of the worlds population who speak
other languages. This factor significantly impacts on women and other mar-
ginalised groups without access to the formal schooling that would allow
them to learn international languages. It is noted that even users with basic
proficiency in English experience discomfort that discourages Internet use.
The present dominance of English in the Internet also demonstrates the
heavy flow of information from the U.S. and Western Europe to developing
26
countries and makes an exchange of information between the non-elites in

the two spheres quite difficult.
Future prospects and areas of further research

ICTs could assist women to work more efficiently and productively
in their present work as well as in new opportunities presented by the infor-
mation economy. This section focuses on the potentialities for womens use
of ICTs in agriculture, small scale business, championing their interests, the
need for increased opportunities in their participation in technology innova-
tion and areas of further research.
From the analysis, it is clear that women have entered high skilled jobs in
information technology. This has largely taken place particularly in countries
where national policies have promoted science and technology education.
There are some important areas where women have made significant gains
in employment brought about by information technology. More young
women are doing jobs previously done by men and venturing in new fields
of work created by development in technology. More young women espe-
cially in developed countries are studying computer science and related sub-
jects. As they do that, it will increasingly become easier for others to follow.
In order to retain and build upon the employment gains associated with glo-
balisation and information technology, women need to move into more tech-
nically and cognitively oriented, better paying jobs. To do that requires
accessing the educational and training opportunities necessary to equip them
with the required skills. Such skill requirements must be in tandem with
advanced technology. Women also need to confront gender based obstacles
and greater demands made on them than men on the domestic front. As
information technology becomes more closely linked with the development
of knowledge economies, education for young women becomes more and
more important. The low literacy rates of women, especially in Africa, are
barriers to wom ens advancement in jobs associated with information tech-
nology as well as their use of the technology. African women are said to
have the lowest participation rates in the world in science and technology
education at all levels.
Efforts have to be made to explore areas of utilising more information

technology not only to improve womens current economic activities but
27
also to reach a large proportion of women especially within the rural setting.
As Munyua (2000) points out, although women play a key role in agricul-
ture, the principal industry of most developing countries, they have very
little access to information that would help them improve their productivity
and increase their economic contribution. Considering the lack of informa-
tion resources available to rural women farmers, ICTs have the great poten-
tial to assist rural women meet their needs as they can provide women farm-
ers with guidance on where and when to sow, harvest and market their
produce to avoid selling their produce at throw away prices. Women farmers
certainly need information on improved farming technologies, access to
credit, agricultural inputs, transportation systems, produce potential, new
markets, storage and others. The radio is probably the communication tech-
nology most accessible to women farmers in less industrialized countries.
The Union of National Radio and Television Broadcasting in Africa
(URTNA) and the World Space Foundation are potential sources of content
that could be useful for women farmers. Womens Net in South Africa runs
a project that brings together womens organisations and community radio
stations in developing relevant content for the local scene. It should, how-
ever, be stressed that the cost of radios and maintaining them remains a
major constraint. Perhaps language, technology skills and cost could be
addressed through the use of information intermediaries. These could
include extension agents, community workers and other groups.
ICTs could also prove of high potential in providing support to women
running small business. According to the National Foundation for Women
Business Owners in the U.S., women own business comprising between
one-quarter and one-third of the formal sector business population around
the world. As with other womens economic activities, the most valuable
application of ICTs for womens small business owners is information to
facilitate their business. Although there are considerable start-up costs
related to such factors as obtaining electricity and telephone, purchasing
computers and sub scribing to an Internet service provider, the amount of
information available from the Internet is colossal compared to the cost.
Small-scale businesswomen need information about obtaining inputs, new
markets, and the environment in which they are doing business and skills.
They tend to rely for such information on informal sources which, in many
cases, could be inaccurate. Besides information deficits, most women entre-
prenuers need to improve technical and management skills.
28
Indeed there are numerous areas for womens need for ICTs. Women can
use ICTs to work together, gain peer support, campaign effectively and share
control and use of information to further their interests. In this regard, ICTs
will enable women to be proactive and introduce their own perspectives
when championing issues, opinions and experiences. In their isolation,
women depend on traditional and local sources of political and civic infor-
mation, which is often unreliable. Womens use of ICTs can bridge their
geographic isolation and promote interaction, networking, sharing and for-
mulation of common strategies and address their interests. It also allows
women to communicate with each other locally and internationally, without
having to travel and without time constraints. It could also assist in broaden-
ing womens vision from the local or national to a more international out-
look. In many parts of the world women are putting ICTs to work in the
movement for their rights and empowerment, communicating among dis-
persed networks, mobilising action in times of crisis, participating in policy
debates and voicing new perspectives. This was well demonstrated during
the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995) which proved to be
a major watershed in realising the power of information technology as a tool
women could use for mobilisation, information exchange and empowerment.
A large number of women from all over the world worked together elec-
tronically to influence the work of the conference. The Internet was used to
exchange informatIon and prepare participation, to influence the formulation
of the Platform for Action by governments and to shape strategies of NGOs
at the forum. Women used and continue to use many different ICTs tools
including e-mail, audio-conferencing, World Wide Web, CD-ROM and dis-
kettes, information gateways and portals, fax servers and others.
Efforts are equally needed to ensure that women are among those who
work in technology innovation. Scholarships and grant pro grammes for
women in science and technology need to be created as well as research and
training programmes. The objective is to ensure the presence of girls and
women among the technologically trained. Girls and women should have
equitable access to training at all levels, including system designs, software
development and informatiion management. The single most important fac-
tor in improving the ability of girls and women in developing countries to
take full advantage of the opportunities offered by information technology is
more education at all levels from literacy through scientific and technologi-
cal education. Such improvement requires interventions at all levels of the
29
education system. Information technologies should be integrated into girls

education and womens literacy programme to expose them to new tech-
nologies at the early stages. There is also the need to effect changes in the
way science and technology are taught which could help in attracting more
women in these fields. Above all, is the need to engender ICTs policy not
only at the national and international level but also at the level of the World
Trade Organisation, the ITU and other inter-governmental bodies.
Such efforts in enhancing increased women participation in ICT pro-

grammes need to be complemented with continued and vigorous research
activities into problems that hinder their utilisation of IT skills. Among oth-
ers, research should be carried out into issues relating to:
1. Information resources available to rural and small scale business entre-
preneurs and effective and cheap means of communication between
women involved in such activities.
2. Knowledge and skill acquisition that would enable more women to par-
ticipate in the various ICT programmes and activities.
3. Intervention strategies that are likely to enhance girls and women partici-
pation in education at all levels and scientific and technological educa-
tion.
4. Engendering ICTs policy that would help to ensure the active participa-
tion of women in policy discussions and lead to increased contribution of
IT to socio-economic development.
References
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New York & London: Routledge.
American Association of University Women, (AAUW) 2000. Educating
Girls in the Near Computer Age. Washington D.C.: Educational Foundation
Commission in Technology.
Barrett, E. 1999. Gender Differences in an Online Learning Environment.
Oxford: Blackwell Science
Bautista, R. 1999. Staking their Claim: Women Electronic Networking and
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space, London, Zed Books.
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Briso, R. 2000. Asian Women Online: Making a Net Impact,

htt://www.cipe.org/pub/women.netimpact.php3.
Burka, M. 2001. Obstacles to Womens Access to Information and Commu-
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Daly, E. 2000. Gender Equality Rights Versus Traditional Practices:
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Everts, S. 1998. Gender and Technology: Empowering Women, Engendering
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Fraser-Abder, P.; Mehta, J.A. 2000. Literacy for All. Missing Links
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Gallagher, M. 2000. Lipstick Imperialism and the New World Order: Women
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Sustainable Development, Ottawa, IDRC.
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Gender Differences in Access, Use, Attitudes, and Achievement with Com-
puters. Englewood Cliffs: Educational Technology Publications.
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lution in Africa, Ottawa IDRC.
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32
Chapter 2
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Media and Information

Networks
R u t h Te e r To m a s e l l i
Cultural, Communication and Media Studies
University of Natal
Durban
South Africa
Introduction
The report focuses on research that has been conducted internation-
ally in cultural and linguistic diversity in media and information networks
during the period of 1998-2001. It presents a brief analysis of various
research studies and scholarly publications examined, focusing on the main
trends identified in that research and identifying some gaps in the body of
literature consulted.
Research methods
Relevant information on research carried out in the subject-area from
1998 to 2001 was gathered from various sources. Web documents, journal
articles, books, masters and doctoral theses and library databases relating to
the topic were scrutinized in order to present a comprehensive bibliography.
An extensive search on the World Wide Web was carried out, though, due to
time constraint, the ability to scan the literature was limited by the need to
produce the report as per the timeframe stipulated by UNESCO. Extensive
use of the Internet to access information for the compilation of relevant
studies undertaken in this field was done, since most of the databases are
online. Where full articles, dissertations or books could not be obtained
online, the University of Natal interlibrary loan services were utilized and
we often managed to find book reviews and publishers abstracts which gave
a good sense of the focus of the publication. The search revealed a wealth of
relevant studies in this area, including many undertaken outside the period
under study (i.e. before 1998 and after 2001). Since these periods were not
the focus of the study, these materials were not included in the analysis.
33
General overview
There is great research interest in cultural and linguistic diversity in
the media and information systems. Among the diverse sources, four pri-
mary sources of research stand out:
1. Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as International Clearing
House for Endangered Languages, British Film Institute, Cable News
Network, the Internet Content Ratings Association and Summer Institute
of Linguistics International;
2. Departments of universities in the developed and developing countries
with greater part of the documents coming from developed countries and
most of them from Communications, Information Services, Linguistics
and Education departments;
3. Government departments (most of the documents in this category were
brief reports from developing countries, particularly South Africa),
including reports from ministers and presidents on broadcasting issues;
and
4. International organizations including structures such as World Bank and
UNESCO.
From the studies examined, the focus of research from university depart-
ments was on such issues as (i) promoting multiculturalism on the net; (ii)
use of new online technologies in language revitalization and the study of
linguistic and cultural diversity; (iii) effects of globalization on cultural and
linguistic diversity; (iv) language disappearance; (v) rethinking language;
(vi) culture and educational policies to enhance linguistic and cultural diver-
sity; (vii) implementation of local languages as media of instruction; and
(viii) how to address problems of access and linguistic diversity. Most often,
these studies used case studies from developed and developing countries.
Research commissioned or funded by donor agencies focused on (i) cam-
paigns to protect cultural diversity in developed and developing countries;
(ii) challenges of language diversity in the information society; (iii) the pro-
motion and use of multilingualism and universal access to cyberspace; (iv)
cultural diversity in the 21st Century; and (v) the role of indigenous knowl-
edge in development.
Research from NGOs focused on themes similar to those in university
departments; but the studies also dealt with (i) production of television pro-
34
gramming and content appealing to people from diverse cultures; (ii) inclu-
sion of minorities in the newsrooms and actors who reflect the composition
of the market; (iii) need to prepare effective teachers for the growing cul-
tural and linguistic diversity in the classrooms; (iv) evolution of the non-
English speaking online population; (v) nations apprehension about the
dominance of English in the Web; and (vi) the call for international
co-operation to bridge the digital divide in developing countries. Govern-
ment research put stress on (i) cultural diversity and nationhood; (ii) broad-
casting regulations; (iii) dilemmas of minority languages in a globalized
world; (iv) cultural diversity and affirmative action; and (v) recognition of
and need for legislation on cultural diversity legislation.
Significantly more research has been done in and focuses on cultural and
linguistic diversity in the media and information networks in developed
countries, although there is some research focusing on developing countries.
A good percentage of papers on developing countries were commissioned
research funded by NGOs and by international development agencies, which
generally have less rigorous research requirements than academic processes.
An analysis of the research shows two main themes:
1. Apprehension about the extent to which global culture and homogeniza-
tion, dominated by the United States and Western values and life-styles,
and driven by a consumer-based, free market ideology and transnational
entertainment-industrial complex, has infiltrated every corner of the earth
and the fact that it may lead to erosion of cultural and linguistic diver-
sity; and
2. Calls for protection of cultural and linguistic diversity in the information
society and the promotion and use of multilingualism and universal
access to cyberspace.
Pertaining to the homogenization of global culture, dominated by the

United States, research focuses, for example, on how in Asia, Latin
America, the Pacific region, Africa and the industrialized world, young
people want Nike sneakers, Gap clothes, Michael Jordan T-shirts, the latest
CDs, Hollywood blockbuster movies, American television programmes and
mass-market books. There is the apprehension that, around the world, North
American corporate culture is destroying local traditions, craftsmanship
knowledge, skills, artisanat and values. Artisans groups trying to sell their
35
products locally have been wiped out by global fashions, thus eroding the
worlds cultural diversity with little notice. Coupled with the global Ameri-
can culture is the dominant use of the English language as the lingua franca
for international transactions. Research in this area stresses how English has
become the dominant online language and how, due to the influence of
English, minority languages are undermined and may disappear and thus
lead to the erosion of the worlds linguistic diversity. Little research focuses
on how global culture and the use of English as the lingua franca for inter-
national transactions may be of benefit to communities.
Regarding the issue of protecting cultural and linguistic diversity in the

information society and the promotion and use of multilingualism and uni-
versal access to cyberspace, research puts emphasis on such strategies as:
1. calls for governments to establish policies to safeguard their cultural and
linguistic diversity;
2. formulation of education policies and curricula which enhance the teach-
ing of cultural and linguistic diversity;
3. call for the use of minority languages for Internet content;
4. development of Internet software which supports multilingualism and can
be used to teach people from diverse cultures;
5. call for campaigns to help save the number of languages that are disap-
pearing around the world through research, documentation and raising
public awareness; and
6. call for international cooperation to bridge the digital divide, especially
in developing countries.
Cultural and linguistic diversity in information technologies
In analysing the research done in this area, it was found that there
are three main positions on the cultural aspect of technology. One position,
generally called the substantive or determinist view (Ebersole, 1995) argues
that technology constitutes a new type of cultural system that restructures
the entire social world (Pacey, 1992). Many proponents of this theory point
out what they see as the negative consequences of technological develop-
ments for cultural pluralism, diverse cultures and languages destroyed in the
36
wake of the inexorable march of technology (Ellul, 1990; Heidegger, 1977).

A second position, instrumental or neutralist view (Ebersole, 1995) regards
technology as devoid of any particular content or values and thus indifferent
to the variety of ends it can be used to achieve (Freenberg, 1991). In this
view, it is not technology per se which creates problems or solutions, but
rather the way in which it is used. Criticising both of these positions, Freen-
berg (1991) puts forward an alternative critical theory of technology in
which technology is neither deterministic nor completely neutral, but rather
ambivalent. The ambivalence of technology is distinguished from neutrality
by the role it attributes to value in the design, not merely the use, of techni-
cal systems. Yet the values inherent in particular technologies do not mean
that their impact is pre-determined; technology is not a destiny but a scene
of struggle. The critical perspective is useful for interpreting the uses of new
online technologies by indigenous and other non-western people, particu-
larly when it is borne in mind that machines require a social organisation to
become technologies (Hodas, 1993). If people accept technology uncritically
as culturally neutral and as the latest expression of modern progress, they
may not recognize how their interactions with technology are changing them
(Bowers, 2001). What must be evaluated for its neutrality or non-neutrality,
then, is not merely the bytes and bits of the Internet, but its social organiza-
tion. The research publications analysed supported all three theories. How-
ever, most of the consulted studies tended to apply the first theory, fore-
grounding negative consequences of technological developments.
Some key issues
Entertainment Industry
Many societies, particularly indigenous people, view culture as their
richest heritage, without which they have no roots, history or soul. Its value
goes beyond money and to commodify it is to destroy it. However, the
entertainment-industrial complex sees culture as a business that should be
advanced through international trade agreements including the World Trade
Organisation (WTO). A huge, well-organized coalition links the U.S. enter-
tainment media and information technology sectors in a common front to
oppose cultural protectionism, and players in these sectors such as American
Online/Time-Warner and Disney work closely with the government to pro-
37
tect their own interests. In recent years, the WTO has enforced free-trade
rules on behalf of powerful transnational organizations (Barlow, 2001). This
in turn profoundly affects every culture in the world, enforcing a for-profit
model on every aspect of the society and denigrating any activity that is not,
at its core, commercial (Barlow, 2001). Furthermore, while the American
market remains largely closed to imports, the big American studios can offer
lower rates, maintain higher production values and spend more in marketing
than local competition, making it cheaper for countries such as South Africa
to buy English-language programming from the United States, Britain,
Canada or Australia, hence limiting their ability to support local production
(Jenkins, 2001).
Market economy
According to the champions of corporate-led globalization, culture in

all its manifestations and related domains should be deregulated; presumably
this would revalue culture, make it better known and understood and acces-
sible to a world audience (William, 2000). The opponents of economic glo-
balization argue that culture is not a commodity like any other. To treat it as
such is to risk the destruction of cultural diversity, and the creation of a uni-
form world ruled by the logic of the market. As media systems open, the
ability of national policy makers to regulate the forms of culture dissemi-
nated is likely to diminish further. This has consequences for the conceptu-
alization of cultural policies aimed at promoting cultural diversity in frag-
mented and unequal societies. A market-based choice and competition are
likely to facilitate a skewed representation of interests and preferences. For
example, the South African Advertising Research Foundation, a barometer
on media and consumption practices, continues to collect data using racial
and ethnic categories inherited from the apartheid era which indicates the
entrenched reality of social divisions that apartheid policies actively culti-
vated and reproduced. As a result, the market-nexus between advertisers and
broadcasters in South Africa tends to register the tastes of only a very small
minority, made up of English and Afrikaans language speakers (Barnett,
2000).
38
English dominance on the Internet

Technology is also advancing one culture and one language. English
is used in 80 per cent of the websites, yet fewer than one in ten people
worldwide speak the language. The Global Networking for Change argues
that the overwhelming dominance of English and, to a lesser extent, of other
major international languages in the Internet, excludes access to the majority
of the worlds population. This factor significantly impacts on marginalized
groups without access to formal schooling that would allow them to learn
international languages. Even users with basic proficiency in English experi-
ence discomfort that discourages Internet use.
Monke (1999) suggests that half of the worlds 6,000 languages will
become extinct in the next century, and 2,000 of the remaining 3,000 lan-
guages will be threatened during the century after; while Watson (1999) pos-
its that 80 per cent of the worlds languages could disappear during the next
century. The spread of the Internet, which has increased the demand for the
use of regional, national and global languages like English, German and
Japanese to conduct its business, will contribute to the extinction of these
local languages, and with it, their cultures (Monke, 1999).
As English and the encroachment of American culture continue to domi-

nate the cyberspace, global resistance appears to grow. For example, the
director of a Russian Internet service provider described the Web as the
ultimate act of intellectual colonialism. For these ideological reasons, there
is some opposition to the use of English as the lingua franca for commerce
and trade, crisis management, and scholarly and intellectual discourse on the
Internet. The French president Jacques Chirac has described the prevalence
of English on the Internet as a major risk for humanity. The threat of lin-
guistic and cultural uniformity on the world has led the French government
to mandate all Web sites in France to provide their content in French (Nun-
berg, 2000).
Although interest in language preservation is on the rise, contrary move-

ments work towards stamping out minority tongues (Ostler, 2000). For
example, in East Africa some governments actively encourage citizens to
abandon local languages in favor of Swahili or another unifying common
language as a way of promoting loyalty to the state, while in Serbia, Kaso-
39
vars struggle to continue speaking Albanian against government policies.

Furthermore, formal language policies are not necessarily the most influen-
tial factors in shaping the development of language use in multilingual soci-
eties (Astroff, 1992). In South Africa, for example, the use of 11 discrete
home languages as the basis for allocation of programmes in broadcasting
has favoured cognate language groups which are able to be consolidated
into threshold populations large enough to constitute viable advertising mar-
ket segments. Thus, the South African Broadcasting Corporation has implic-
itly adopted a distinction between major and minor African languages, with
Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho and Tswana belonging to the first group, and Tsonga,
Venda, Ndebele and Swati to the latter (Barnett, 2000).
Harmonious development of the information society is possible only by

encouraging the availability of multilingual information. The absence of
multilingual information may lead to a loss of local cultures. Even in tech-
nologically developed countries where access to computers is relatively
common, the level of training is high, and traditions seem to live in har-
mony with technological innovations, language barriers can limit communi-
cations with the rest of the world. UNESCO has suggested that electronic
translation and the development of norms, standards, legal instruments, prin-
ciples and codes of conduct are appropriate to permit a broader scope of
knowledge; promote respectful use of all languages; broaden cyberspace
language diversity, and to promote access to cultural and scientific informa-
tion through the creation of multilingual web sites.
The defense of languages, their variety and pluralism has also won
increasing international support from non-governmental organizations such
as Terralingua, Lingualsphere Observatory, Summer Institute for Linguistics
International, the International Federation of Teachers of Living Languages
and Language Rights. The creation of the Bureau of Lesser Used Languages
and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages drawn up by
the Council of Europe in 1992 recognize the need for the protection of
minority languages by demanding provision for languages traditionally used
within a given territory by citizens who form a numerically smaller group
than the rest of the states population. States have to give official recognition
to a minority or regional language and provide for education through that
language, at all levels, from pre-school to adult and continuing educa tion.
In Africa, UNESCO, through the Linguapax project launched in 1986, pro-
40
vides guides and manuals for teachers and policy makers in countries want-
ing to incorporate local languages into their educational system. The Alaska
State legislature made one of the earliest organised language preservation
efforts when it established the Alaska Native Language Centre in 1972. The
Centre concentrates on documentation and supports bilingual education
(Ostler, 2000).
Ultimately, the survival of a language depends on a series of decisions by

individuals to learn and use a language and on the state to embark on
teacher education so as to be able to teach the language (Sutherland, 2000).
Multicultural language policies, in the sense of promoting a recognized par-
ticipation of minority languages in the public sphere, are most likely to
respond to the structural dilemmas of contemporary nation-states while
respecting international standards of human rights (Koning, 1999). When
dealing with linguistic diversity as a human right in education, Skutnabb-
Kangas (2000) argues that a multilingual education policy creates greater
mobility and employment opportunity; engenders innovative, creative
expressions of plural societies in order to combat illiteracy; encourages
respect for other points of view; is conducive to national integration; pro-
motes greater participation in the democratic process; and is necessary to
protect minority languages and cultures.
The dominance of English has been strengthened partly by the difficulties

of multilingual computing. There is nothing inherently difficult about com-
puting in a variety of alphabets and scripts, and a number of potential script
systems are available, but the original designers of personal computers and
the Internet did not see multilingual computing as a priority. Thus, the
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) has limited
capacity to handle non-English languages. However, Internet offers a great
opportunity for all minority languages in the world to get a worldwide audi-
ence (Felix, 1999). Progress continues to be made in text processing, in the
development of hardware and software, from seven-bit ASCII to ISO-Latin.
More recently, Unicode (ISO 10646), a coding scheme for characters of
most of the worlds scripts, is a significant breakthrough in electronic com-
munication. Problems remain, however: when Unicode is used in a global
search-engine context, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean ideographs share the
same code space (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation [NTT]).
Automated translation software has also been developed. Altavistas
41
Babelfish translates phrases or an entire web page, to or from English, and

supports several major European languages, including Spanish, German and
Portuguese (Lebert, 1999). Babylon, another downloadable tool, supports
languages such as Dutch, Japanese and Hebrew, in addition to the common
European languages.
A challenge closely related to access to multilingual information is the

development of public domain information, including works on which intel-
lectual property rights have elapsed, anonymous works, and folk knowledge
not considered the property of indigenous communities. An enormous body
of knowledge exists in every country, every culture and every language;
therefore, the facilitation of its preservation and dissemination on the global
information networks will contribute substantially to universal access and
multilingualism.
Access to information technology
The availability of publicly accessible telematics networks and ser-

vices is an essential prerequisite for ensuring that all citizens have access to
information contents, in whatever language, on the Internet. However, there
is an absence or insufficiency of national policies on the implementation
and use of information technologies, and administrative constraints to pub-
lic service institutions wishing to participate in the information society. For
true globalization in terms of cultural diversity to become a reality, the
Internet need to be considered as a public information utility service and
not only a commercial product. The development and application of appro-
priate technologies, policies and regulations at the national, regional and
international levels are needed. Internet costs and rates in public institutions
must be considered in facilitating universal access to the Internet and its
multilingual contents. Encouraging collaboration among institutions will
reduce the cost of access to telematics networks and services. The G-15
member countries, for example, have urged the international community to
promote digital opportunities for all through innovative approaches and
partnerships between governments, the private sector, civil society and non-
governmental organizations (see New Straits Times-Management Times, 6
January 2001).
42
Preservation of cultural and linguistic diversity and representation of

ethnic minorities
In pursuit of preserving traditions and local languages, Canada has

introduced rules requiring that 30 per cent of programmes on English-
speaking radio must be Canadian and 65 per cent output on French radio
service must be in the French language. In the UK, both the International
Television Network (ITN) and the BBC promote greater balance in ethnic
minority representation across their workforces and, together with a number
of other television broadcasters, have formed the Cultural Diversity Network
(CDN) to set objectives for ethnic minority employment; establish an online
database of ethnic minority talent; modernise the casting and portrayal of
ethnic minorities in programming; share non-commercially sensitive
research on cultural diversity; and allow official monitoring of progress.
In South Africa, existing state-controlled institutions have been restruc-

tured, made formally independent of the state, and provided with clear pub-
lic interests and mandates (Teer-Tomaselli, 1996; Teer-Tomaselli and Toma-
selli, 1996). In addition, a range of new, independent public agencies have
been established such as Pan South African Language Board, a Gender
Commission, a Human Rights Commission, an Independent Broadcasting
Authority (IBA), all of which oversee the revitalisation of conditions for the
exercise of specified rights of cultural citizenship enshrined in the South
Africa constitution (Barnett, 2000). This has fostered the development of a
vibrant independent production sector in television, music and film-making.
The main lobbying group for this sector, the Independent Producers Organi-
sation (IPOSA), argues that independent local production companies should
provide the main source for locally produced programming to contribute
programming to the broadcasting sectors statutory requirement to promote
South African cultures. Sourcing programming through independent produc-
ers ensures a wide reflection of a diversity of viewpoints from the social and
historical perspectives of young, ambitious and creative individuals. In
India, localization is not likely to be taken by major firms in the US or India
but rather by small, back-street operators. The problem is that they lack
venture capital and that the solutions each proposes are incompatible with
the solutions of its neighbour. But the inventiveness is there and it is from
these back alley operators that eventually localization may come (Kensi-
ton, 1998).
43
Future prospects
Many developing and developed countries agree on the danger of a
global, covertly American monoculture, relegating all other cultures to infe-
riority, antiquity, or second place. To maintain the free flow of intellectual
creations and art, while promoting diversity in the face of giant, centralized,
monolithic corporate and cultural juggernauts backed by international trade
regimes, there is need to provide choice, so that in the deluge of cultural
products available, citizens can choose to watch, listen to, or read books,
magazines, films or sound recordings that reflect their own local reality.
Current imbalances in global flows and exchanges of cultural goods and ser-
vices make it necessary to reinforce international cooperation and solidarity
aimed at enabling competitiveness at international and national level. Part-
nerships are required between the public sector, private sector and civil soci-
ety. Market forces alone cannot guarantee the preservation and promotion of
cultural diversity, the key to sustainable human development (UNESCO,
2001). Thus, active intervention of political, corporate and business leaders
is needed to moderate market-forces as to achieve goals beyond the pursuit
of profit such as elimination of poverty, universalisation of education, politi-
cal freedom and democracy, and the preservation and deepening of cultural
diversity.
Although citizens and their governments are still very likely to want the
export of their cultural products promoted, and must always retain the right
to set fair-trade conditions in order to protect and promote their own stories,
history and cultures, culture must be carved out of free trade agreements,
particularly, the World Trade Organization. New international instrument to
deal with these issues are needed. To succeed, such an instrument must have
a status equivalent to that of trade agreements, recognising the importance
of maintaining cultural diversity and setting out rules that, over time, can be
changed, since we cannot know today what form cultural expression may
take in the future. To preserve cultural diversity, creators of Internet content
should build on indigenous knowledge and values; empower and enable
local communities by promoting their culture (Gorjestani, 2000) and mother
languages on the Internet; focus on local issues and create local networks
connected with global issues of common concern. In this way, social capital
can be built, cultural integrity preserved and diversity facilitated. The Inter-
net can facilitate cross-cultural communication in English, but it can also
44
allow users from other languages scattered around the world to communi-
cate in their own languages.
While ensuring the free circulation of ideas and works, cultural policies
must create conditions conducive to the production and dissemination of
diversified cultural goods and services through cultural industries that have
the means to assert themselves at the local and global level, while upholding
human rights and dignity. To achieve this, the policy advisers need to reflect
the culturally diverse nature of the community in the development and
review of policies. This could be done through direct participation or via
consultation and involve people from a variety of cultural and linguistic
backgrounds.
There is also a need to establish linguistic rights in both developed and

developing countries. Linguistic human rights are necessary rights to main-
tain linguistic diversity and to prevent linguistic genocide (Skutnabb-
Kangas, 2000). Compared with the Universal Declaration of Linguistic
Rights pronounced in Barcelona, Linguistic Human Rights are situated both
on individual and collective levels, supporting free identification with the
mother tongue and allowing a group to exist and to reproduce its language
and culture. In education, Linguistic Human Rights should guarantee the
preservation of language-related identity by learning through the medium of
the mother tongue. These rights should be focused on individual right to
make choices with regard to changes in languages. No difference should be
made between immigrants in foreign countries and people in their native
country, since, in Linguistic Human Rights framework, multilingualism is
always a cultural and personal fortune, and in many countries it is necessary
for reasons of democracy (Skutnabb-Kangas, 2000).
Though many countries are opposed to the globalization of culture, they

could learn from the example of India, where, in the last half century, it has
been convenient for Indians to use English as a link language for the diverse
people of that subcontinent. It has been possible to conduct business in the
diverse nation, and linkages of India with the rest of the world have been
aided by India having the second largest English-speaking population in the
world. Yet, India has managed to retain her own particular culture (Kenis-
ton, 1998). To overcome the belief that computer culture (which the Internet
has only accelerated) represents a threat to traditional ways of life (Bowers,
45
2001; Postman, 1993), communities need to use aspects of the Internet most
compatible with their own traditional patterns of communication and knowl-
edge. As Agre (1997) notes, machinery does not reform society, repair insti-
tutions, build social networks, or produce a democratic culture. People do,
and the Internet is simply one tool among many that can enhance social net-
works.
It is imperative for all countries to know that education in its fullest sense
(including digital literacy and, importantly, the development of a new sense
of civil behaviour where the principles of equality, justice and mutual
respect prevail for all) is the ultimate answer to the universal access to infor-
mation, knowledge sharing and multilingualism. National decisions on the
issues discussed above will determine whether each nation becomes a part
of the globalization process or out of it. Nations active participation is
needed to develop cultural diversity and multilingualism in cyberspace. But
what is needed most is the political will to adopt the measures we have pro-
posed here.
Searching through the literature one comes across few insightful analyses
of the cultural implications of the new information technologies, and par-
ticularly in preserving cultural diversity in an era of global networks. There
is extensive literature on language extinctions in Western countries, espe-
cially Europe, yet little is done on language extinctions in developing coun-
tries, particularly in Africa. These are some of the areas which require some
attention from the international research community.
References
Agre, P. 1997. Criando uma cultura da internet [Creating an internet cul-

ture. Revista USP [University of Sao Paulo].
http://www.communication.ucsd.edu/pagre/rre.html
Astroff, R. J. 1992. The Politics and Political Economics of Language.
Media Development, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 3-5.
Barlow, M. 2001. The Global Monoculture. Earth Island Journal, Vol. 16,
No. 3, pp. 32-33.
Barnett, C. 2000. Governing Cultural Diversity in South African Media
Policy. Communication Abstracts, Vol. 23, No. 6, pp. 776-786.
46
Bowers, C.A. 2001. Let Them Eat Data: How Computers Affect Education,
Cultural Diversity, and the Prospects of Ecological Sustainability. Chronicles
of Higher Education, Vol. 47, No. 24.
Ebersole, S. 1995. Media Determinism in Cyberspace.
See www.regent.edu/acad/schcom/rojc/mdic/md.html
Ellul, J. 1990. The Technological Bluff. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Feenberg, A. 1991. Critical Theory of Technology. New York: Oxford Uni-
versity Press.
Felix, M. 1999. A Multilingual Internet.
See Http://www.hem2.passage.se/zein/loglottos/0000101.html.
Gorjestani, N. 2000. Cultural Diversity in the 21st Century: The Role of
Indigenous Knowledge in Development. G KP 2000 - Global Knowledge
Fair, Kuala Lumpur.
Heidegger, M. 1977. The Question Concerning Technology and Other
Essays (W. LOVITT, Trans.). New York: Harper and Row.
Hodas, S. 1993. Technology Refusal and the Organizational Culture of
Schools. Education Policy Analysis Archives.
See: http://www.olam.ed.asu.edu/epaa/v1n10.html
Jenkins, H. 2001. Culture Goes Global. Technology Review, Vol. 104, No.
6, p. 89.
Keniston, K. 1998. Cultural Diversity or Global Monoculture: The Infor-
mation Age in India. Paper Presented at the Technical Conference of
IT.COM in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, November.
Koning, M. 1999. Cultural Diversity and Language Policy. International
Science Journal, Vol. 51, No. 16, p. 140.
Lebert, M. 1999. Multilingualism on the Web.
See http://www.ceveil.gc.ca/multienge.htm
Monke, L. 1999. The Diversity Myth. Educom Review, Vol. 34, No. 3, pp.
14-16.
Nunberg, G. 2000. Will the Internet Always Speak English? The American
Prospect, V ol. 11. No. 10.
Ostler, R. 2000. Disappearing Languages. Whole Earth, No. 100, pp. 6-9.
Pacey, A. 1992. The Culture of Technology. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
47
Postman, N. 1993. Technology: The Surrender of Culture to Technology.

New York: Vintage Books.
Skutnabb-Kangas, T. 2000. Linguistic Diversity as a Categorical Impera-
tive, a Review of Linguistic Genocide in Education or Worldwide Diversity
and Human Right? See File: ///A|/Language futures Europe.htm
Sutherland, M. B. 2000. Problems of Diversity in Policy and Practice: Celtic
Languages in the United Kingdom. Comparative Education, Vol. 36, No. 2,
pp.199-209.
Teer-Tomaselli, R. and Tomaselli, K. 1996. Reconstituting Public Service
Broadcasting: Media and Democracy During Transition in South Africa. In:
B. Andersen (Ed.) Media, and Democracy. University of Oslo.
Teer-Tomaselli, R. 1996. Reconceptualising Public Service Broadcasting
within the South African Broadcasting Environment. In K. Thorne and S.
Sorensen (Eds.) Voices and Visions: Audio-visual Media in the New South
Africa. Copenhagen/Johannesburg: Zebra/Open Window Network.
UNESCO. 2001. General Conference Adopts Universal Declaration on Cul-
tural Diversity. See Http://www.unesco.org/confgen/press-rel/02/10/-CH-
diversity.shtml.
Watson, K. 1999. Language, Power, Development and Geopolitical
Changes: Conflicting Pressures Facing Plurilingual Societies. Compare, Vol.
29, No. 1, pp. 5-22.
William, S. 2000. D for Diversity. UNESCO Sources, No. 127, p. 3.
48
Chapter 3
Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression in the

Information Society: Selected Studies and Projects
International Federation of Journalists

International Press Centre
Brussels,
Belgium
Introduction
This report presents a brief review and commentary on freedom of
expression and press freedom issues in the information society based on an
examination of some selected examples of research and publications. The
report touches on some key questions dealing with the impact of the infor-
mation society on freedom of expression with a particular focus on the press
freedom dimension of free expression. There is an assessment of the
selected research and, in the conclusions, a number of recommendations are
made for further research work in the subject-area. The choice of research
studies and projects has been based on the three main principles: (i) rel-
evance: to the key themes of freedom of expression and press freedom; (ii)
contemporaneity: the work has been carried out since 1999; and (iii) general
interest: the work is of significant interest to the rights of citizens/and or the
work of journalists.
The report assesses 20 examples of research and projects covering more
than 50 countries in all parts of the world. In each case, the authors exam-
ined the project by reviewing hard-copy written and published works as well
as material available in electronic form. Additional information has been
collated from interviews and observations concerning the first draft of this
report, which was presented to a special forum of experts convened by
UNESCO and the International Association of Media and Communication
Research in July 2002.
Overview of issues
The information society has come a long way since the days of tech-
nological triumphalism in the mid-1990s. Economic downturn, the collapse
49
of many high-profile dot com business ventures and the political uncertain-
ties following the events of 11 September 2001 in the United States have
transformed the communications landscape raising new questions and rein-
forcing existing concerns. Fundamental questions related to the rights of
citizens in the virtual world access to services, reliability and quality of
content, the rules by which information is produced and disseminated
remain at the core of the debate about the future of the information society.
Freedom of expression cannot be disentangled from these citizen rights.
Freedom of expression, in theory at least, permits the expression of any

opinion without restraint. But this freedom, exercised in whatever form,
whether speech, visual and performing arts, academic and public life, litera-
ture, music, or journalism, is in practice limited by regulatory frameworks in
national and, to a limited extent, international law. Freedom of expression is
not an abstraction it concerns practical acts of public communication, of
which the work of mass communication media is a prime example. What
distinguishes press freedom from freedom of expression at large is that it is
in large measure defined by ethical, moral and economic criteria established
by media professionals and the media industry. It is, essentially, the freedom
to publish and to gather, prepare and disseminate information without
restraint, save that imposed by the voluntary application of ethical standards
which are established by professional consent. Press freedom is exercised
within society through the free circulation of information via traditional
modes of dissemination text publishing (newspapers, periodicals and
magazines), audiovisual services (radio and television) and electronic net-
works (news agencies). This process, along with the work of journalists, is
unquestionably altered by the information society.
The role of journalism is to uncover and publish information that is accu-

rate and reliable. At its best, journalism helps people to under stand them-
selves and the world around them, and takes precedence over rumour and
speculation in the public mind. Journalism is normally carried out in the
framework of a specific narrative style the media story. The publication
of stories by newspaper reporters is a method of filtering information to
suit the political, social and moral parameters of society. This process,
adapted to suit all forms of journalism, provides the basis for press freedom
in society. The information society has broadened the scope of reporting and
expanded the constituency of journalism. Reporting has become more than
50
newsgathering and analysis. It has given press freedom a scope beyond the
conventions hitherto applied to journalistic work, with the introduction of
new sources and dialogues, ideas and opinions that have been, until recently,
beyond the horizons of traditional media.
As readers and viewers become more accessible to the producers of infor-

mation, there is an apparent shift of power towards them from traditional
media structures. It is a potentially momentous shift. Media consumers are
more directly engaged in the press freedom process than ever before. Jour-
nalism is adjusting to web news and so is the way media operate. News
media now routinely use web sites and subscription services to gain access
to new markets. Everywhere there is more direct participation in the journal-
istic process by media consumers. There are more on-line debates and dis-
cussion forums on specialist topics or major news items. E-mail messages
from far beyond the newsroom percolate into mainstream news reporting in
real time. People of all generations, interested in a kaleidoscope of topics,
in a community without known borders, are increasingly brought into the
media picture.
It is an open question whether these changes are the beginnings of a

genuine shift of power. There is precious little industry-based research or
analysis to pass judgement on whether this process is leading to a significant
realignment of media structures in favour of consumers. What can be said,
based on sound anecdotal evidence and experience, is that this expansion of
journalism is not useful unless it is accompanied by sophisticated judgement
of how to mix and monitor the ebb and flow of information from diverse
sources. It is also helpful to have in-depth knowledge of ethical consider-
ations, audience preferences and skills of presentation. When these condi-
tions apply, journalism can make sense of the information overload that
plagues the information society. While the scope of traditional press free-
dom appears to be broadening, the information society, particularly through
the use of the Internet and E-mail communication, is exposing the weakness
of national legal jurisdiction to deal with the expansion of free expression
beyond national boundaries. Much of the research into the impact of the
information society is focussed on this problem.
Globalisation is a key factor in the development of freedom of expres-

sion. New technologies are expanding dramatically the information horizons
51
of individuals and communities. Access to information from virtually all

over the world makes it increasingly difficult to keep societies closed and to
exercise strong control of the media. Difficult, but not impossible, as some
of the research findings here reveal. The findings illustrate that new forms of
censorship whether in the name of security, taste, decency, or political cor-
rectness may undermine the benefits of the information society. Freedom
of expression is endangered when either political or economic imperatives
are given priority over the cultural and democratic imperatives of individual
freedom and freedom of speech. Nevertheless, the Internet inevitably handi-
caps governments that want to control information. Censorship is still exer-
cised through control of Internet Service Providers, for instance, or, as
happened in September 2002, when the Chinese government outlawed major
international Internet search engines because they allowed users access to
external information about their political leaders. But the days of direct
political oppression, if not quite over, are certainly numbered.
However, big threats remain. Perhaps the biggest threat over the next gen-
eration may come from more subtle and complex forces, those concerned
with economic interests in particular. And when economic and political
interests converge the results are damaging for both press freedom and free
expression. In 2001, for instance, two of the worlds leading media corpora-
tions AOL Time Warner and News Corporation negotiated arrangements
with the Chinese Government for access to terrestrial television networks
for their programmes, but only on the basis of a prohibition on news and
current affairs programming.
Not surprisingly, then, much research and monitoring work, particularly

by press freedom groups, is targeting the problem of censorship direct
intervention to suppress or prohibit the use of satellite tech nology or to
control content. Many civil libertarians regard censorship as the most sin-
gular threat to press freedom and freedom of expression in the information
society. Monitoring of developments in this area is a prime focus of media
professionals and press freedom groups in membership of the International
Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) network. A number of detailed
reports, at regional and international level, examine the impact of official
censorship, particularly through regulation and control of the Internet and
technological resources, all of which threaten citizens access to information
as well as interfering directly in the work of journalists.
52
In addition, protection of the individual in the information society means

that special attention is paid to privacy and the right of citizens to remain
anonymous. But is that really possible? The information society is not a pri-
vate domain. Indeed, its success is built upon the capacity for widest pos-
sible circulation of information. That is both strength and a weakness. Few
people have confidence in the anonymity of electronic communications via
the Internet. The price to be paid for the increase in comfort, speed and
range of services available in the information society is a loss of anonymity.
A number of research projects are seeking to enhance privacy protection,
while others reveal that, in the name of security, there is more monitoring
and surveillance of Internet communications traffic than ever.
The urge to collect personal information is strong within both the public
and private sectors. The authorities, whether for reasons of law enforcement
or for other reasons of public safety have an interest in access to informa-
tion about citizens. The expansion of free expression for malevolent pur-
poses, particularly across borders, worries legislators and the guardians of
national constitutional rights. Nevertheless, protection of the individual
requires that official access to private information must be strictly monitored
and subject to public, accountable and transparent rules. How that is done is
an enigmatic chapter in the evolution of the information society.
Rules, in particular, are sought to deal with the problem of harmful con-
tent, whether it involves violent images, on-line pornography, rac ism and
extremist political propaganda. The studies here reflect two views; one that
leans towards the positive side of regulation and cultural values, another
strongly reinforcing the notion of free speech and advocating the most mini-
mal restraint. Because regulation of communications is an established and
legitimate aspect of social and cultural policy the questions raised by the
information society often have more to do with methods and responsibilities
than with principles.
Many governments seek new technical mechanisms, including filtering

systems, to maintain standards of regulation concerning content and quality
of information in the new digital environment. Freedom of choice and free-
dom of expression require flexible and non-intrusive systems of content con-
trol. There are, however, differences of approach arising from research in
this area. At the same time, nations demand safeguards against the use of
53
information and communication technology to undermine the fundamental

civil rights and liberties of their citizens. The events of 11 September 2001
led to a sudden shift of policy towards the measures that limit the capacity
for free communications in the name of security. This has important impli-
cations for the use of information technologies, civil liberties and press
freedom.
Of major concern is the global reality of economic disparities that still

exist between geographical areas and between sections of the population,
which cause serious problems over access, both to technology and to infor-
mation and raise fears of greater social exclusion. Technological change can
deepen existing geographical and social disparities, and further disadvantage
people already in a weaker position relative to other sections of society. On
the other hand, peoples lives can be enhanced through improved access to
new information and communications services.
The value of alternative information-sharing networks and discussion

forums to the process of cross-border communication, as well as how that is
regulated internationally, are also considerations when examining the free
flow of information and information technologies. Equally vital to the future
information society is pluralism and the range of different opinions, ideas
and forms of information available. How well equipped is the market to cre-
ate genuinely pluralistic opportunities for consumers, and what are the pros-
pects for public service media? There is some doubt about the capacity of
market forces alone to deliver the services and structures whereby the infor-
mation society will provide the platter of information that truly reflects the
rich diversity of global society
Conclusions and recommendations
The research projects and activities examined in this report illustrate

the challenges facing the information society. New information and commu-
nications technologies have the potential to reinvigorate the quality of free-
dom of expression enjoyed around the world. During the 1990s there was a
furious, optimistic rush of enthusiasm about the information society. But
many crucial questions about the future of communications whether regu-
lation, governance, rights of access and civil liberties remain unanswered
54
and require fresh examination. Central is the debate over viable international
accords that balance demands for the widest possible free expression and
press freedom with protection of national cultural imperatives.
Everyone would agree that the information society particularly the use
of the Internet provides remarkable opportunities for the promotion of free
expression and diversity of opinion and the expansion of press freedom. But
the research does not indicate whether this potential is being realized. Much
of the work carried out so far has focused on the commercial development
of new information and communication technology. Much more focus is
needed on the social, democratic and cultural implications of change par-
ticularly related to creating democratic conditions for communications,
obtaining equitable and effective access, and underpinning the principles of
plurality and diversity and the implications of the information society for
traditional notions of press freedom. Some of the issues and questions that
require more attention, both from a global and regional perspective, are:
Democracy and pluralism

1. What is the impact of new media on the political process. Are these
media inherently more democratic than traditional media?; Do they give
voice to critical and independent voices?; Does lowering barriers to entry
into a medium necessarily mean a diminution of quality?
2. What are the threats to plurality from media concentration? Is the local
and regional democratic process improved by takeovers and the introduc-
tion of the editorial, commercial and political imperatives of global cor-
porations, such as News Corporation, Independent Newspapers, Time
Warner or Bertelsmann, for instance?
Press freedom
1. What is the impact of the information society on traditional media? What
changes in journalism are taking place and what is the impact on readers,
listeners, viewers and consumers of information?
2. What are the consequences of abuse of press freedom (for instance, when
a newspaper or broadcaster oversteps the cultural/religious/political
boundaries of taste, decency or ethical conduct in public life)?
55
3. What mechanisms are currently in place to support press freedom? How

do they work and how might they be adapted to cope with new media?
4. How does press freedom suffer when there is governmental action to
monitor and restrict communications?
5. How does press freedom contribute to creating equality in issues related
to gender, race and disability and what is its effect in promoting anti-
discrimination? How do new media affect these issues? (For instance, are
new media more or less neutral with regard to social inequalities than
traditional media)?
6. What needs to be done with journalism training to equip journalists to
work with new media? Can we develop a standards based approach to
journalism training? Do we focus on new entrants or should journalism
training be lifelong and, inevitably, who pays for journalism training?
Regulation issues
1. What regulation, if any, is needed, of content of information services and

how should it be implemented? Are existing laws sufficient? What inter-
national agreements would be appropriate? Are forms of licensing, or
voluntary complaints procedures (international press councils, for
instance) viable? Should there be a combination of approaches? What
funding arrangements are needed?
2. Should rules be introduced that police the creation of meaning? For
instance, should it be harder to start a political web site than a literary
one or a personal one?
3. Content: How do we regulate for libel, privacy, copyright, liability, the
representation of sexual images, the representation of violence, political
comment, and hate speech? Should we rely on post hoc regulation, profes-
sional self-regulation or take pre-emptive measures involving the training
and licensing of media operators?
4. Public service media: What is the future of public service media in the
context of the information society? What are the prospects for funding pub-
lic service media and, on balance, is the fact that the Internet is not politi-
cally regulated having a positive or negative effect on political discourse?
56
Global governance
1. What process for international regulation and supervision of the informa-

tion society is needed?
2. Who should be responsible for the monitoring and implementation of
regulation and policy issues within the United Nations system? Is a new
international body needed?
References
Association for Progressive Communications. 1999-2001. Internet Censor-

ship Case Studies. San Francisco: APC.
Article 19. The Right to Communicate: The Internet in Africa. London:
Article 19, 1999.
Bentivegna, S. 1998. Talking Politics on the Net. Harvard: Harvard Univer-
sity, John F Kennedy School of Government.
Council of Europe. 2001. Report on Media Pluralism in the Digital Envi-
ronment.
Herzog, R.; Hoffman, B.; Schulz, M. 2002. Internet and Politics in Latin
America. Frankfurt: Vervuert Verlag
Hudson, D. 1998. Cybersmut: How Restricting Online Indecency May
Restrict First Amendment Freedoms. Freedom Forum.
Human Rights Watch. 1999. The Internet in the Middle East and North
Africa: Free Expression and Censorship. New York: Human Rights Watch.
Human Rights Watch. 2001. Freedom of Expression and the Internet in
China. New York: Human Rights Watch.
International Federation of Journalists. 2002. Journalism and the War on
Terrorism: Final Report. Brussels: IFJ
Kerr, D. 2000. The Safer Internet Action Plan: Self Labelling and Filtering.
Brussels: European Commission.
Ogura, T. 2001. General Situation of Internet and Communication Rights in
Asia, JCANET, www.jca.apc.org.
Reporters Sans Frontieres and Transfert. 2000. The Enemies of the Internet.
Paris: RSF.
57
Sandvig, C. 2002. Ethnographies of the Internet: Grounding Regulation in

Lived Experience. Oxford: Oxford University.
Staksrud, E. 1999. How to Censor the Internet. Oslo, Oslo University,
Department of Media and Communications.
58
Chapter 4
Information and Communication Technologies and Persons

with Disabilities
Anuradha Mohit
National Human Rights Commission
New Delhi, India
Introduction
This report presents an analysis of selected research and publications
carried out in the area of information and communication technologies
(ICT) and its use by persons with disabilities (PWDs). The selected research
studies and publications have been examined with a view to understanding
current trends and priorities for future research. Based on the research trends
and gaps which exist in the subject area, some recommendations have been
suggested that may be relevant in creating an accessible, affordable and
acceptable information society that is inclusive of persons with disabilities.
According to the World Health Organization, about 10 per cent of the
worlds population has disability of one form or another. By this estimation,
the number of PWDs is approximately 600 million. Over two-thirds of them
live in developing countries and it is estimated that only 1-2 per cent PWDs
have access to education, training and employment (UN ESCAP, 1996).
There is a high correlation between disability and poverty and their social
exclusion is direct and evident throughout the world. The traditional
approach towards disability has been based on a model of charity and care
and on an assumption that disability is an individual pathology a condition
grounded in the psychological, biological or cognitive impairment of an
individual. Although all points of access to the structures of everyday life
the world of education, of work, of information and communication are
designed with reference to the dominant norm of the able-bodied, efforts
have been focused on tutoring disabled individuals without addressing the
various structures that lack the capacity to accommodate the difference of
ability (Quinn and Degener, 2002).
A major shift in perception has taken place over the past two decades
from an approach motivated by charity to one based on human rights. In
59
essence, human rights perspective on disability means viewing people as

subjects and not as objects. It means locating problems outside the indi-
vidual and addressing the manner in which various structures are con-
structed and the method in which they operate. The thrust of all the research
projects carried out in 1998 to 2001 is on redefining the norms and stan-
dards of information and communication systems so that PWDs are not fur-
ther marginalized.
Research methods
The analysis presented in this report regarding use of ICTs by the

disabled is based on research carried out in this area between 1998 and
2001. Various sources were used to access findings of studies carried out
and those still under process. Within the available time and resources, it was
possible to explore some websites as a good number of studies have been
compiled by disability NGOs, UN and its regional bodies and academic
institutions can be accessed on the Internet. Reports of international disabil-
ity NGOs, IT and media conferences, inter-governmental bodies and UN
agencies were analysed to identify contemporary research issues in the sub-
ject area. Libraries in India and other countries extended their cooperation.
However, the literature scanned was frustrating as very little has been writ-
ten and documented on ICTs and their use by PWDs.
Overview of issues
The web search and review of literature reveal that documenting pat-
tern of use of ICTs by PWDs is not an area of interest and priority for
research institutions. Precious little has been invested to encourage academic
research in this area. The primary sources of research are the disability
NGOs and universities. The studies are generally commissioned at the initia-
tive of pressure groups and instances of corporate-sponsored research stud-
ies are also not uncommon. Governments in Europe, the United States,
some Asian and South American countries have also sponsored research
mainly with an aim to identify issues of priority for research and develop-
ment projects and policy matters. So far, the main thrust of studies exam-
ined has been on accessibility aspects of IT infrastructure.
60
A handful of universities in developed countries have established depart-

ments of disability studies. Traditionally, department of education, health
and humanities offer courses in disability related areas. Therefore, the focus
of research, by and large, has been in these disciplines or in inter-
disciplinary studies in these selected disciplines. Schools of engineering and
architecture tend to take up R&D projects with the aim to engineer a new
product or an additional feature to make existing ICT products and service
and environment accessible for PWDs. As a result, the research undertaken
so far remains inadequate in terms of finding disabled users pattern of
behaviour and the impact of ICTs in their lives. Disability studies as a con-
cept has yet to gain momentum and consequently large gaps in knowledge
still exist.
Computers
Accessibility has been the overriding concern in the disability rights
debate throughout the world. Accessibility can be defined as the measure
or condition of things and services that can readily be reached or used (at
the physical, visual, auditory and/or cognitive levels) by people including
those with disabilities, which could be achieved through design and/or by
adaptation of any existing system. The modern instruments of communica-
tion and information processing presuppose the users ability to see, hear,
and use hands. As a result, persons with physical, sensory and cognitive
impairments could not use and access computers due to inflexible design.
Therefore, the primary focus of research in the area of ICTs has been on
providing a design solution so that alternative to text representation mode
and keyboard operation could be afforded. Consequently, speech output
devices, screen-reading softwares, voice recognition systems, screen magni-
fiers, self-voicing browsers got developed. However, most of these systems
are expensive and are only compatible with English, Spanish, Japanese and
languages of Western Europe. PWDs familiar with these languages are car-
rying out electronic banking, on-line shopping, e-mailing, etc. In the office
setting via electronic document processing, visually impaired employees
have access to information equal in some cases to their sighted colleagues.
These developments have opened up new avenues of work, education and

socialization beyond estimation for PWDs in the affluent countries. Even in
the absence of a well-coordinated and well-planned infrastructure, a small
61
minority of the PWDs in the developing countries can also use computers
and Internet. They are generally from the urban, educated class and use
computers primarily in the work places (Deependra, 2000). However, over-
all improvement on the accessibility of computer to people with disabilities
in the developing countries has been dismal on several counts i.e. the
speech engines for local languages needed for effective operation of screen
readers are not available for most of the languages of developing countries.
Electronic lexicon for various sign languages needed to render audio or tex-
tual content into sign language for display in electronic media and voice
recognition algorithm for conversion of text to voice have yet to be devel-
oped (UNESCAP, 2002). To enable flexibility in the design of computer
hardware and software, these technologies are a prerequisite.
The extent to which the PWDs can have access to and benefit from the
computer-based technologies also depends on the overall political and eco-
nomic environment. The studies on ICTs and PWDs confirm that enactment
of anti-discrimination legislation and disability-inclusive IT policies and
their effective implementation have been instrumental in creating accessible
information environment in many countries. UN Standard Rules on Equal-
ization of Opportunities for PWDs (1993) is the first international instrument
that recognizes the right of PWDs to accessible information system in Rule
5 Part II of the Rules.
Many governments in the world have enacted and amended their laws and
policies in the light of parameters set out in the Standard Rules. For
example, the Government of Sweden, in its policy document, IT for Dis-
abled and Elderly People, 1998, states inter alia that Swedish Government
and Parliament are committed to UN Standard Rules that lay down precon-
ditions for creating an accessible society in which PWDs have equal oppor-
tunities. Similarly, the U.S. Government, in the preamble of National Infor-
mation Infrastructure policy, notes: a broad, modern concept of universal
service that emphasizes giving all Americans who desire easy and affordable
access to advanced communications and information services, regardless of
income, disability, or location.
These legislation and policies not only lay down the foundation for an
accessible IT infrastructure but they have also proved equally effective in
addressing the affordability concerns of PWDs. Some people find them-
62
selves on the wrong side of the digital divide between the technology
haves and have-nots. Computer-based information, communication, ser-
vices and instruction are less available to those who are poor, live in rural
areas, are members of minority racial/ethnic groups, and/or have disabilities.
Often the cost of modern communication facilities is beyond the capacity of
most of disabled people and most governments in developing countries are
reluctant to invest financial resources in modifying the already existing
infrastructure for a small segment of their populations.
UN Standard Rules in Rule 4 calls upon the States to ensure the develop-
ment and supply of support services, including devices for persons with dis-
abilities to assist them to increase their level of independence in their daily
living and to exercise their rights. The data analysed confirm that most of
the developed countries and a good number of developing countries have
introduced schemes for affording assistive technology and special devices
to PWDs. However, computer hardware and software for accessibility are
included in the list of assistive devices of a few affluent countries.
Education and awareness
The use of information technology in education is gaining momen-

tum throughout the world, both in traditional classroom environments and in
distance education. It is assumed that ICTs can enhance the opportunity for
disabled students in education at all levels. Adequate research and data are,
however, needed to assess the effectiveness of technology for enhancing
learning and to demonstrate how people who have been marginalized by
social, economic, and physical disabilities respond to ICTs.
It is relatively easy to assess the effects of ICTs from an accessibility

standpoint, but it is much harder to gauge the impact of ICTs with reference
to other considerations. The fact that research and related literature con-
cerned with educational accessibility focus mainly on technological issues
confirms that accessibility is still a central issue. For example, Schmetzke
(2001) investigated the degree to which distance education sites were acces-
sible using Bobby, a web-site accessibility evaluation tool. He also reviewed
the literature that examines the obstacles that people with disabilities
encounter in an online distance education environment. Only a few articles
treated the issue, and they had a primarily technological perspective. Harri-
63
son (1999) asserted that web-based educational resources must have a uni-
versal and barrier-free design.
It is often assumed that greater use of ICTs in teaching and learning will
solve many problems, including those of accessibility for people with dis-
abilities. However, there are also a number of drawbacks and new issues
that need to be considered as technology becomes a more integral and
essential part of the teaching and learning process. For example, web pages
divided into segments or frames can confuse software programs that trans-
late text to voice. Graphics with text will be read only as image by the
software reading the text on the screen and would, thus, deprive blind stu-
dents of valuable content. Web pages with a long list of hyperlinks crowded
together can confuse a student with visual, cognitive, or motor disabilities
(Cook and Gladhart, 2001).
Today, multiple modes of delivery blur the lines between different types
of distance learning. For example, the content of a course may be delivered
using printed material and television; course discussion may occur using
e-mail; a weekend session may bring participants together face-to-face, and
resources may be provided on the World Wide Web (Burgstahler, 2001).
These options have created new opportunities and generated new demands
from both learners and teachers. In the regular system of education, students
with disabilities may feel excluded on account of inadequate knowledge of
the teachers about special devices to aid learning by using ICTs. Even selec-
tion of a right communication tool for learners with disabilities is a demand-
ing task, as there are a number of hardware and software options available
in the market either with identical functions or with marginal to substantial
variations. Diversity of disabilities necessitates a wide range of options,
therefore, instructors orientation to special devices is an imperative.
The overall low level of literacy which is as low as 2 per cent among
PWDs in developing countries is a factor that has placed them on the wrong
side of the digital divide (Quinn and Degener, 2002). The capacity of edu-
cation system and the instruments of its delivery need review and detailed
investigation as education of PWDs in general and computer education in
particular are being imparted by spe cialized institutions outside the main-
stream educational infrastructure, especially in developing countries.
64
The ON-NET project covering 14 South-East Asian countries is a good

case study which presents the range of gaps that exist and the measures that
need to be deployed to ensure equal access to ICTs by PWDs. The analysis
of the activities of this project illustrates the range of unmet needs vital to
integration of PWDs in the information society. The activities are: (i)
training-of-trainers in special application; (ii) development of Thai version
of Jaws; (iii) development of local language Braille conversion software;
(iv) development of linkages with mainstream computer schools for smooth
integration of disabled students; (v) technology training; (vi) upgradation of
computer learning centres of the mainstream secondary schools; and (vi)
development of training materials and their translation in multiple lan-
guages.
The media
Within the parameters of mainstream media research, although many
scholars have become much more aware of gender and other development
issues, disability has remained a largely neglected subject. For the main-
stream institutions engaged in media research, disability is not a subject of
great interest. The studies analysed in this report have been carried out
mostly by national, regional and international organizations of the PWDs
with an objective of reviewing media habits of the PWDs, analyzing factors
causing their exclusion, and evolving designs for an accessible media.
Studies carried out in Asia, Europe and America suggest that disabled and
non-disabled persons have similar programming tastes and preferences. Rel-
evance of television in the lives of PWDs is quite significant and they watch
television at least for 2-3 hours a day (Sujata, 2001). Rigorous media
research initiatives from a disability perspective have been undertaken
through a multidisciplinary approach in Europe and the United States. The
studies generally analyze users concerns, information and broadcasting
laws, design of existing media products and their delivery mechanism and,
most often, the researches offer design solution based on accessibility stan-
dards. For example, the Netherlands Federation of the Blind and Partially
Sighted, the Public Broadcasting Corporation, and Dutch Federation of
Libraries for the Blind jointly worked on a comprehensive research project
for a period of four years between 1998 and 2001. The research investigated
barriers to television viewing, its causes, and its demographic implications
65
with reference to disabilities. It was found that 30 per cent of programmes

on Dutch television were in foreign language and were broadcast with text
subtitles. Consequently, blind, print impaired and elderly persons with visual
impairment were unable to access the content of programme because of
inflexible user presentation standard. The study provided a design solution
which involves the integration of speech synthesis and broadcasting soft-
ware. To encourage the uptake of this new approach, a decoder has been
developed which unpacks the sound signal without interfering with the pro-
gramme. All the three public broadcasting networks in the Netherlands now
offer audio caption service with foreign language programmes. The evalua-
tion of the project suggests improved access to foreign language pro-
grammes by elderly, blind and print impaired persons.
Television is important not only because of the role it plays in society, but
it also provides company, particularly to those disabled who are house-
bound. However, TV viewing remains an incomplete experience for a large
segment of the PWDs as user interface standards, user presentation stan-
dards, and terminal equipment standards often do not conform to accessibil-
ity norms (Wall, 2002).
In a rapidly changing era of media technology, the transition from one

system to another always brings new opportunities as well as challenges. To
accommodate the challenge of technology switchover, parallel changes in
the related laws become imperative. But the process of rapid changes can
leave inadequacies in the body of law due to lack of experiential evidence.
The United Kingdom presents a good case study, where in 1996 the govern-
ment adopted a new Broadcasting Act which coincided with broadcast tech-
nology switch from analogue to digital. The Act mandates broadcast of at
least 10 per cent programme with narration or verbal description of key
visual elements of the programme. However, the Act does not contain any
provision for audio description transmission and reception standards. Thus,
when digital terrestrial television started in the U.K. in November 1999, no
provision was made for transmission of verbal description of visual ele-
ments because the digital terrestrial set top boxes were not configured to
download audio description feature (Wall, 2002). As a result, the blind and
elderly persons got deprived of the accessibility feature, which was available
on analogue television.
66
Since digital television can open up a world of interactive services

beyond broadcasting, it will increasingly be used to do on-line Internet
browsing, shopping, banking and e-mailing. In Europe, governments plan to
provide much of their information and services via digital television. There-
fore, incorporation of accessible features in the design of digital broadcast-
ing and its delivery system is important; otherwise, people would be set fur-
ther apart.
Telecommunication
When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, he was
attempting to convert speech into a visual representation to accommodate a
greater choice of information modality for his wife who had a hearing
defect. Unfortunately, Bells invention failed to accommodate conversion of
information from auditory to visual mode as intended. Instead, the long dis-
tance communication scenario was transformed completely allowing com-
munication in real time for persons who can speak and hear. The intended
benefits of telecommunication for the hearing impaired and deaf came about
much later and that too with limitation of choice and its availability. Tele-
typewriter (TTY) service became available in the mid-1970s that enabled
communication for the deaf with other TTY users. The tele-relay service is a
second milestone that widened the communication choice as the deaf callers
through a relay centre could communicate with hearing persons. Certainly,
these technologies have their own limitations and are inadequate in provid-
ing freedom of long distance communication in sign language.
Videophones were originally developed for companies to hold meetings

involving people based at different locations, using Integrated Services Digi-
tal Network (ISDN). Videophones allow the user to see and talk at the same
time, irrespective of the distance between the callers. The development of
videophones has benefited hearing-impaired people beyond estimation. This
means that deaf people can use videophones to communicate in sign lan-
guage in the same way as hearing people use telephones. In 1998-2001, the
Finnish Association of the Deaf (FAD) launched a multimedia project to
study whether videophone links and distance interpretation would improve
the use of interpreting services, intensify use of the interpreters working
time and reduce expenses by cutting down interpreters total travel cost. The
findings of the study confirmed that videophone enhance the freedom of
67
socialization of deaf people and also reduce the cost of interpreters services
and travel. In addition, the quality of life improved as many services such as
medical consultation, family counseling, distance education and legal advice
became possible using videophones linked to interpreters service.
Studies in the area of telecommunication also tend to analyze the efficacy

of laws and policies with reference to PWDs. For example, text telephones
and relay phones got installed in all public places in the U.S. over a period
between 1998 and 2001 as an outcome of effective enforcement of the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA states, one text telephone
must be provided inside any building that has four or more public pay
phones. In addition, one text telephone must be provided wherever there is
an interior public pay phone in a stadium, hotel, convention center, etc.
Similarly, in Sweden and Finland some local governments have included
videophones in the list of assistive devices for the PWDs to enable hearing
impaired and deaf persons to access videophones with State support.
However, PWDs in developing countries face the second digital divide

on account of telecommunication laws, policies and infrastructure which are
not sensitive to their needs as well as the non-availability of accessible mod-
els of telecom systems. Low level of awareness and literacy and poverty are
additional factors. For instance, SMS service is being used more frequently
by hearing persons than by the hearing impaired and the deaf in countries of
the SAARC region. Investigations into reasons reveal that deaf persons usu-
ally learn one spoken language which is generally their own national lan-
guage whereas SMS on mobile is available in English. The second most
common reason is the low level of literacy among deaf people, which does
not permit them to use SMS, pagers and regular phones which are also out
of their reach as voice amplification technology is often not available in
developing countries.
Conclusions and recommendations

Rapid ICT development has opened up unanticipated avenues of
employment, education and socialization for PWDs in the devel oped coun-
tries and for a small minority of the disabled in developing countries. The
challenge lies in the equitable expansion of these gains to every part of the
globe. The uneven development has increased the disparity between devel-
68
oped and developing countries and between the ICT haves and have-
nots. Many concerned organizations at the national, regional and interna-
tional levels have taken up positive measures to support ICT accessibility
for PWDs. Effort has been made to integrate disability perspective in IT
laws, policies and regulatory mechanism. Countries like Sweden and the
U.S. have also adopted ICT policies with the aim to ensure sustainable
development. These international policies and legislative measures have
evoked wide interest among PWDs, service providers in the area of ICTs,
research and development professionals and social, private and corporate
bodies. However, parallel developments in developing countries in Asia,
Africa and elsewhere are not visible. Based on anecdotal evidence and
analysis of some case studies about the use of ICTs by PWDs in developing
countries, some conclusions have been made. However, the full magnitude
and complexity of the accessibility issue cannot be appreciated in the
absence of adequate and reliable data. Therefore, investment in the research
and capacity building of academic and disability organisations need to be
increased. ICTs are enabling technologies but if they are not properly
planned, designed and delivered, they could widen the social and knowledge
gap and would further deepen the digital divide.
How the design needs of PWDs should be accommodated in the research
and development initiatives, regulatory mechanism and in ICT policies are
some of the critical questions that need to be addressed. Involvement of
PWDs in research and development, product development, standardisation
and policy formulation has the potential to bridge the critical knowledge
gap. The ICT infrastructure is relatively disabled-friendly in those countries
which have mandated PWDs involvement and have adopted a multi-
sectoral approach to IT policy planning. In this context, we have provided
the following recommendations:
1. Governments should enact, amend and enforce laws, policies and pro-
grammes that protect the right to information and freedom of communi-
cation of PWDs.
2. Governments should adopt and support ICT development based on inter-
national standards which are universal, open, non-proprietary and have
accessible features.
3. Participation of disabled users needs to be made mandatory from
research to product development, policy planning and monitoring.
69
4. All technology development, replacement and upgradation initiatives

should be regulated to ensure access to PWDs and uninterrupted access
to ICT utilities should continue as the technologies advance.
5. All Governments should endeavor to adopt an ICT disability plan for
action through a multi-sectoral approach so that accessibility agenda with
clear targets and budgetary provisions are worked out for every Govern-
ment department to ensure equal access and full usability of ICTs by per-
sons with disabilities.
6. Telecommunication policy and laws be so modified that people are able
to hold long distance communication independently and in their preferred
medium of communication such as sign language and local languages.
7. User Interface Standards, User Presentation Standards and Terminal
Equipment Standards need to be developed and redefined so that all ana-
logue and digital broadcasting services can be delivered on accessibility
standards.
8. Funds for research and development be provided for the development of
(i) speech engines for local languages needed for effective operation of
screen readers; (ii) electronics lexicons for local sign language needed for
digitized conversion of audio and text to sign; (iii) voice algorithms for
local language voice to text; and (iv) conversion softwares from native
language to Braille.
9. For equity and equal distribution of ICT resources, international and
national institutions engaged in primary and secondary data collection,
collation and dissemination should incorporate a disability dimension in
all their studies.
10. Inter-governmental, regional and all other development organizations
should undertake and promote research studies in the area of ICTs and
their use by PWDs, particularly in developing countries.
11. Governments should promote the establishment of Department of Dis-
ability Studies in major state-sponsored universities.
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Wall, J. 2002. Audio Description and its Potential. Paper presented at the
Joint CEN, CENELEC and ETSI Workshop on TV Broadcasting for All,
Seville, Spain, 13-14 June.
71
Chapter 5
Info-ethics and Universal Access to Information and

Knowledge
Ila Joshi
7/D1 Sterling City Bopal,
Ahmedabad 380058,
India
Introduction
The objective of this report was to survey existing literature on infor-
mation ethics and universal access to information and knowledge published
from 1998 to 2002. The survey located about 260 studies and scholarly pub-
lications dealing with one or more of the issues which were analysed for the
report. The studies and publications were identified from books and journals
from local libraries and online network of libraries as well as studies avail-
able on the Internet.
Information ethics consist of the general principles of access, justice and

mutual respect relating to the development and application of information
technologies (Cummings, 2000). The ethical issues highly debated and
focused on include: trust, ownership and validity of information; privacy,
confidentiality and security; hate and violence in media and Internet; as well
as access to information and knowledge.
The new European Data Protection Directive provides a foundation for a

global privacy regime. Privacy is enforced at an individual level by the
Internet users through new privacy-friendly technologies. This development
is likely to influence business in the coming decade (Davies, 1998). Simi-
larly, the legal restrictions may not bring the desired result, especially in
developing countries where the technological solution sought to restrict fair
use can give a better result. This has an added advantage, that of not affect-
ing the issue of access to information. The private sector and NGOs are
moving quickly to develop counter measures that will build privacy systems
into the architecture of communications. The inevitable result is that the
state machinery will be confronted by an adaptable infrastructure of power-
73
ful privacy protection (Correa, 2000). However, the concern of governments

can be seen in the example of India and Iran. As a step towards becoming a
global information technology power, India has formulated cyber laws pro-
tecting proprietary and security rights in cyberspace. The key areas are digi-
tal signature law and laws for computer related crimes (Chakravarti, 1998).
Iran is to establish new laws in protecting proprietary and security of digital
communication and information software (Nejad, 1998). In the Russian Fed-
eration and Jordan, while establishing information system, difficulty was
experienced in drawing the line between protection and accessibility
(Nusseir, 1998, Genieva, 2000).
An encouraging approach can be seen in the case of Portugal case where

information professionals recognise the importance and singularity of each
of the users of their services and respect their privacy as a right. Information
professionals consider that it is their duty to respect Article 12 of the Uni-
versal Declaration of Human Rights (BAD/INCITE/APDIS 2002). Garstka
(2000) has come out with detailed suggestions on the necessary conditions
to be imposed by self-discipline for protecting privacy in cyber world.
Some ethical issues
Privacy, confidentiality and security
The right to privacy remains a central concern for democratic nations

and is well established in national laws and international norms. The value
of this right of human dignity, personal autonomy and democratic self-
governance is clear. However, technologies have created new threats as well
as new opportunities (Rotenberg, 1998). Samarjiva (1998) discusses the dif-
ferent complexions of virtual space and related issues in a different world.
The trust, privacy and security issues are embedded in most trusted institu-
tions by the society in the United States of America but government-owned
inefficient telecommunications in most of Asia do not have that legacy.
Building trust in electronic information transactions remains one of the
major challenges in promoting economic growth and in meeting the social
and educational opportunities offered by cyberspace. The privacy and secu-
rity rights of individuals and the proprietary rights of businesses need to be
protected against unwarranted data mining. Protection of privacy and trans-
74
border flows of personal data across insecure global networks are political
issues at national and international levels (Cummings, 2000).
Trust, ownership and validity of information
Information provided by government and non-governmental organi-

sations or by corporate bodies, whether on paper or on the web, has the
advantage of acceptable authorship and is, hence, verifiable. This is of par-
ticular significance at present when an enormous glut of information has
become available with the rapid development of e-information. If the Inter-
net is rapidly developing into an accessible source of information, it is also
often anonymous and demands a high degree of critical thinking to sift
through the vast amounts of disinformation and misinformation for facts and
valid information. Branding of information in the service of politics or big
business is a form of disinformation. The information technology has greatly
enhanced the potential value of most information that is in the public
domain. How government bodies, public and private sector business will
exploit this potential and what effect this will have on unhindered flow of
information is unclear.
Public vs. private goods
While industry and business are providing the infrastructure for

access to information resources as well as contents, the challenge is to
define the concepts of public domain and universal access in a global
context to promote common public welfare while encouraging private initia-
tives and protecting rightful economic interests (UNESCO, 2000). In the
past it was important to have access to official government information
which is stated in the laws of many developed countries. These laws have
contributed to increased government accountability. But the rise of Internet
has created new expectations and the citizens are beginning to demand
accountability from private sector organisations as well. Thus, governments
have a role in providing better access to government information and also
contemplating necessary legislation towards more accountability of private
organisations (Riley, 2000). The European Union has published a paper in
which both legislative and practical initiatives are envisaged. The issues of
public domain and copyright fair use, as well as the protection of human
75
dignity in the digital era are the subject of a number of EU initiatives (Papu-
pavlou, 2000).
Hate and violence on Internet
Crime, violence and obscenity in media have remained a prime con-

cern of most countries. However, it requires constant alert as in many cases
considerable economic interest is involved. The victims of violence and
obscenity tend to be the weaker sections of the society such as children,
women and other powerless people. Smith et. al. (2002) studied 23 broad-
cast and cable channels in the U.S. and found that, regardless of the time of
the day, viewers are likely to encounter violence in roughly two out of three
programmes when they view television. A study by Wilson et al. (2002)
suggests that younger perpetrators of violence on American television are
more often portrayed as attractive and less likely to be punished for aggres-
sion. The development of Internet has posed even more serious problems
than other mass media. It is interactive and attracts younger generation as
they can relate to newer technologies better than the older generation. They
end up becoming subjects of pornography or as viewers of harmful material
like sexually explicit photos, videos, aggressive marketing and advertising
by commercial sites. The Indian court has summoned directors of two major
Indian websites and filed a criminal complaint and all eyes are on Indias
first cyber porno trial (Sridhar, 2001).
Legal protection and law enforcement form only a part of the solution.
Cyber laws remain limited, especially given the jurisdictional question
posed by the transactional nature of cyber crime. As it is, law enforcement
in many countries is even hampered by inadequacies in investigative skills,
especially in digital detective work and computer forensics (Pabico, 2001).
Although childrens exposure to pornography and sexually explicit content
on the Internet seems to be the most widely shared concern of parents and
teachers, the danger that this may have caused is far less than meeting a
new friend via the Internet. It is so suggested by the National Information
Technology Committee (NITC) in a study of 600 Thai children under the
age of 18. It revealed Thai children users are not ignorant about the dangers
that lurk behind their surfing the net, as 93 per cent of the respondents felt
that there were certain dangers (Pirongrong, 2001).
76
Universal access to information and knowledge

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) have given
rise to a phenomenal growth in global electronic commerce, improved qual-
ity of life, health care, emergency interventions, and international under-
standings and are ushering in a knowledge-based society with the potential
for more conscious, humane and better informed citizens. At the same time,
the technologies also tend to pull the sections of the societies apart as
have-nots and haves in what is termed as the digital divide. The
National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S.
coined the term digital divide in falling through the Net reports pre-
pared by the U.S. Department of Commerce. It notes that: (i) better edu-
cated Americans are more likely to be connected; (ii) the gap between high
and low income Americans is increasing; (iii) whites are more likely to be
connected than African Americans or Hispanics; (iv) rural areas are less
likely to be connected than urban ones; and (v) two parent households are
nearly twice as likely to have Internet access as single parent households
(Bowie, 2001).
The international issues that emerge from the digital divide are more or
less the same. The World Development Report 2000-2001 shows a clear gap
between the developed and the developing countries by using a number of
indicators such as daily newspapers, radios, television sets, telephone main
lines, mobile telephones, personal computers, Internet hosts, scientists and
engineers, high technology experts and patent applications filed. For
example, developed countries like Norway and New Zealand possess 899.48
and 703.33 Internet hosts per 10,000 people while Nigeria, Niger and Ghana
have .01, .03 and .06 hosts respectively (World Bank, 2000). In Asian coun-
tries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines,
there is a greater development of computer networks, and India, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka and China have provided greater access to media technologies to
their people. Bangladesh and Japan present classic cases of digital divide as
one lacks most of the facilities whilst the other has them all (Joshi, 1998).
Less developed countries without the requisite infrastructure or means to
educate people would not benefit as much from these technologies. There-
fore, there is a need to identify which kinds of the technological access
deliver the best value for money in developing countries and how limited
resources can be made to best suit the particular needs of the poor.
77
Within developing countries, digital divide exists as well between urban

and rural communities. A study in Thailand indicates that 70 per cent of
Internet users who have been surveyed by the National Information Technol-
ogy Committee reside in urban areas such as Bangkok and the suburbs
(Pirongrong, 2001). The influence of technology has often been less than
neutral with regard to gender equality. Communication technologies, espe-
cially mass media, have portrayed women in stereotypical ways over the
years. There are clear prejudices regarding women being comfortable with
acquiring the required skills for controlling the technology (Joshi, 1998). A
study conducted in a medium sized town in India clearly shows the male
domination. It found that over 80 per cent of cyber cafe users are men. Most
of them are young (15-35 years), highly educated and have obtained their
education through English as the medium of education. They belong to
middle and upper socio-economic strata of the Indian society (Joshi, 2001).
Similarly Dareth (2001) states that in Cambodia 50 per cent of women are
illiterate, poor in the society and, hence, are bound to be information poor.
One more factor which is contributing in separating world population

apart is the dominance of English language on the Internet. Pimienta (2002)
notes that only 10.5 per cent of the world population knows English as a
language, either official, spoken or through education, but the availability of
Internet material in English is about 75 per cent. Compared with this, mate-
rial in French, Spanish and Italian is only nearly 2 per cent while that in
Portuguese is approximately 1 per cent only. Another study by Kyung-Ja
(2001) gives a similar picture, that is 80 per cent of websites are in English
and the operation languages are also in English. The other side of the dis-
cussion on universal access to information and knowledge is to encourage
the spread and positive use of ICTs. Some of the areas where there is high
potentiality of applications of information technologies are e-learning,
e-governance, e-commerce, tele-health and other social issues.
E-learning
The Commonwealth of Learning has been dedicated to increasing

access to education since it began operating in 1989. It is operating in all
forms, from conventional print to e-learning covering 54 countries of the
Commonwealth. Great strides have been made over the past few years in
78
enhancing the capacity of e-learning and finding ways to broaden the expo-
sure. Recently, an announcement was made by the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology that it would make most of its course material available to
the public through the Internet. As a result, the university, where the annual
tuition is about $39,000, anticipates that not only individuals but universities
all over the world will take advantage of its course lists, lecture notes and
even video-taped lectures (MacDonald, 2001). E-education systems are
being implemented in schools in different parts of the world. In England,
about 10,000 schools have been linked up to Internet on the National Grid
for Learning. Similar efforts have been made in France through the launch
of the governments Information Society Policy (Tronc, 2002). In India,
the government has announced Operation Knowledge through which
Internet connectivity in all schools will convert them into smart schools
where the emphasis is not only on IT but also on the use of skills and values
(Manorama Year Book, 2002).
E-governance
The global agenda of good governance and civil society is gathering

momentum also spurred on by growing demands for transparency and
accountability. Information technologies are a key factor in achieving the
goal of good governance by (i) enhancing freedom of expression; (ii)
encouraging the inter-change of questions and answers on non-governmental
or governmental issues and policies; and (iii) educating the public through
access to information and knowledge assimilation (Akhtar, et. al. 2002).
National governments throughout the world have significantly improved
their online service delivery. Canada outperforms the rest of the world in
the area of e-governance; it plans to provide electronic access to all federal
programmes and services by 2004. The other countries with such plans
include Singapore, U.S.A, Australia, Denmark, U.K., Finland, Hong Kong,
Germany and Ireland (AMIC, 2002). The European Union has launched
e-governance as part of e-Europe initiative with the aim of having
e-governments throughout Europe by 2003 (Papupavlou, 2000). In India, the
National Informatics Centres Network (NICNET) connects district level and
rural level government offices to government secretariats in the state capi-
tals. The State Government of Kerala has opened computerized centres
79
called Friends where one can pay taxes, dues, etc. to various government
departments and university fees (Manorama Year Book, 2002). The chief
minister of Andhra Pradesh gained political popularity and power because of
his achievements in introducing information technology in the state adminis-
tration (Agrawal, 2001).
E-commerce
Globalisation seems to be not only inevitable and irreversible, but

also a key to future economic development. It is evident that primary ben-
eficiaries are the big players; however, smaller businesses have also man-
aged to take the opportunities of informatisation as can be seen in some
Asian countries. Indias role in the world market of IT software industry is
quite impressive and South Korea is known as an important player in the
world trade of communication equipments and parts (Kyung-Ja, 2001). The
private sector, academia, civil society organisations are cooperating in shap-
ing up the new economy and new approaches in virtually every sector, to
strengthen small and medium-sized businesses leading them to
e-commerce.
Conclusions
The principal concerns seen in the studies and publications examined

can be summarized as follows:
1. There is an urgent need to formulate national and international policies to
encourage the spread and the optimum use of ICTs and to minimize their
negative social and cultural impact.
2. There are some attempts to widen access to ICTs, monitor their negative
effects, and maximize their positive use.
With regard to further research, we propose that international surveys be

undertaken to determine the present status of ICTs and needs assessment
studies be carried out to determine the type of informa tion required in dif-
ferent social, economic, political and cultural ambience. We would also sug-
gest research studies on the perception of info-ethics and its impact on vari-
ous cultures and groups of users.
80
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83
Proposal for advancing the information society
In the area of research on the information society, UNESCO pro-

poses that the following principle be adopted and action be imple-
mented
Disseminating knowledge about research studies and publica-

tions on the information society, especially regarding ICTs and
gender; cultural and linguistic diversity in media and information
networks, press freedom and freedom of expression in the infor-
mation society; ICTs and persons with disabilities and infoethics
and universal access to information and knowledge.
Compos par JOUVE, 11, bd de Sbastopol, 75001 PARIS

N 328197B. Dpt lgal : aot 2003

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Status of Research on the Information

Edited by Kwame Boafo

Published in 2003 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific

Composed and Printed by Jouve, Paris

UNESCO has fully supported the World Summit on the Information

The proposals are responses to the main challenges posed by the

Knowledge societies should be firmly based on a commitment to

In knowledge societies, the production and dissemination of educa-

These are crucial questions to which answers must be found if

On the occasion of the World Summit on the Information Society,

Abdul Waheed KHAN

1 Information Communication Technologies

2 Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Media and

3 Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression in

4 Information and Communication Technologies

5 Info-ethics and Universal Access to

While it is true that the information society is a frequently heard

However, it is precisely because this is a field in a perpetual state of

Pursuing further this line of thinking, we have selected five subjects

Simply to mention these issues gives a foretaste of the difficulty of

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Gender

This report focuses on research that has been conducted internation-

Relevant information focusing on research that has been carried out

Other secondary sources of research include non-governmental organiza-

Regarding womens experiences when using ICTs, it is interesting to note

These communication styles may deter greater female participation online,

Issues such as the above tend to be a greater preoccupation in developed

Communication through use of computers

Education through use of ICTs

In some case studies, contextual analysis of online dialogues was

to which females in schools are conditioned or encouraged not to

This theme has very specific dimensions in developing countries, where

Access to and use of ICTs: gender differences

efits in trying to foster applications of ICTs based on interaction and

Womens use of ICTs in developing countries

According to regional statistics, more than 90 per cent of Internet users

In contrast, except in the upper income enclaves, home access to comput-

communication, i.e. creating and exchanging information, especially those

It should be noted that information technology has had a progressive

Brisco (2000) observed that some women in developing countries use

Key issues in gender and use of ICTs

Women in ICT policy making and production skills

Although womens use of information technology has witnessed an

issue has generated considerable concern about women, especially in less

Generally, women tend to be concentrated in end user, lower skilled ICTs

Marcelle (2000) observes that until very recently no consideration was

In the U.S., the number of women in telecommunications training insti-

Women in science and technology education

Womens enrolment rates in science are said to be lower than those of

in 2000 by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), girls

Women and literacy

Cost of equipment and connectivity

Equipment and connection costs are generally excessive for most

The language problem

The Global Networking for Change cites language as a major

countries and makes an exchange of information between the non-elites in

Future prospects and areas of further research

Efforts have to be made to explore areas of utilising more information

education system. Information technologies should be integrated into girls