Bits, Bytes, and Big Brother - (Praeger Political Communication) by Shannon E Martin (Hardcover)

About the Book

This study examines the tensions and interrelationships inherent in federal control of information in the technological era. Analyzing topics relating to information content and carrier issues, citizens' natural rights and utilities, and the effects of the executive and legislative branches, the author examines the historical definitions of information, traditional ethical principles, the parameters as framed by the Constitution, and three kinds of information control actions promulgated by the federal government (the Foreign Agents Registration and Propaganda Act, the Computer Security Act of 1987, and the Pentagon media rules during the Persian Gulf War). Following analysis of the practical, ethical, and legal issues involved, the author recommends a proactive information policy encompassing both information content and carriers and preserving Constitutional principles on the free flow of information.

Book Synopsis

This study examines the tensions and interrelationships inherent in federal control of information in the technological era. Analyzing topics relating to information content and carrier issues, citizens' natural rights and utilities, and the effects of the executive and legislative branches, the author examines the historical definitions of information, traditional ethical principles, the parameters as framed by the Constitution, and three kinds of information control actions promulgated by the federal government (the Foreign Agents Registration and Propaganda Act, the Computer Security Act of 1987, and the Pentagon media rules during the Persian Gulf War). Following analysis of the practical, ethical, and legal issues involved, the author recommends a proactive information policy encompassing both information content and carriers and preserving Constitutional principles on the free flow of information.

From the Back Cover

This study examines the tensions and interrelationships inherent in federal control of information in the technological era. Analyzing topics relating to information content and carrier issues, citizens' natural rights and utilities, and the effects of the executive and legislative branches, the author examines the historical definitions of information, traditional ethical principles, the parameters as framed by the Constitution, and three kinds of information control actions promulgated by the federal government (the Foreign Agents Registration and Propaganda Act, the Computer Security Act of 1987, and the Pentagon media rules during the Persian Gulf War). Following analysis of the practical, ethical, and legal issues involved, the author recommends a proactive information policy encompassing both information content and carriers and preserving Constitutional principles on the free flow of information.

Review Quotes

?The book will be of principle use to those with an interest in federal information policy and First Amendment theory. Those who are focusing more on new communication technologies may appreciate the broad theoretical and philosophical questions that the work raises.?-Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly

"The book will be of principle use to those with an interest in federal information policy and First Amendment theory. Those who are focusing more on new communication technologies may appreciate the broad theoretical and philosophical questions that the work raises."-Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly

About the Author

SHANNON E. MARTIN is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Media at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She has contributed to journals such as Communication and the Law and Journalism Quarterly.