Andrew L. Russell
RMIHC, September 2000

“Is the Internet different? Some reflections on history and the governance of technology”

Abstract

The social impacts of new technologies are determined in large part by the control—or governance—of the technology. This paper aims to historicize hyperbolic statements about the “revolutionary” impact of the Internet by considering the development and governance of the Internet in the context of an earlier “revolutionary” technology, the radio. If we are hopeful that the Internet can help us achieve progressive social goals—such as an improved democracy, improved lifelong education, and the empowerment of, as Mr. Gates wrote, “everyone, anytime, anywhere”—it may be beneficial to consider the fate of similar “public interest” goals in the development and governance of the radio.