This article addresses some of the complex issues related to the so-called `European information society' from at least three interrelated perspectives: from theory (on the basis of a brief literature review), from practice (referring to a number of available surveys and research data) and from a policy perspective. It points at major contradictions in and between both European policy statements and the data collected as part of the ongoing Measuring Information Society (MIS) surveys. The article concludes by formulating a number of recommendations for both policy-makers and researchers.
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