World Information Flows and the Impact of New Technology

Abstract

Communications is the fastest growing industry in the world due to a transformation of world information flows caused by the convergence of telecommunications, information technology, and mass media institutions. The emerging conglomerates are leading the world toward the information age. The new technology at their disposal is creating ever increasing world information flows, which are changing political, economic, and cultural landscapes and are redefining work, education, and development. The speed and uptake of new technology could not have been predicted, and its far-reaching political, economic, and social implications have only recently begun to emerge. This article argues that an international communications policy is necessary to ensure that the world does not divide into the information rich and the information poor.