Inside the digital society

David Souter writes a weekly column for APC, looking at different aspects of the information society, development and rights. David’s pieces take a fresh look at many of the issues that concern APC and its members, with the aim of provoking discussion and debate. Issues covered include internet governance and sustainable development, human rights and the environment, policy, practice and the use of ICTs by individuals and communities.

Inside the Information Society: What's happened to the price of fish?
Inside the Information Society: What's happened to the price of fish? 08 May 2017 David Souter

Each week David Souter comments on an important issue for APC members and others concerned about the Information Society. This week's blog post looks at the impact of mobile phones on markets for small-scale primary producers.

Inside the Information Society: The second machine age - reasons to be fearful?
Inside the Information Society: The second machine age - reasons to be fearful? 30 April 2017 David Souter

Each week David Souter comments on an important issue for APC members and others concerned about the Information Society. This week's blog post looks at what's meant by the 'second machine age' - and how it should reshape our thinking.

Inside the Information Society: Marking Mark’s card. A comment on Mark Zuckerberg’s manifesto
Inside the Information Society: Marking Mark’s card. A comment on Mark Zuckerberg’s manifesto 10 April 2017 David Souter

Each week David Souter comments on an important issue for APC members and others concerned about the Information Society. This week's blog post comments on Mark Zuckerberg says in his recent online "manifesto".

Inside the Information Society: Should we fear monopolies?
Inside the Information Society: Should we fear monopolies? 13 March 2017 David Souter

Each week David Souter comments on an important issue for APC members and others concerned about the Information Society. This week’s blog post reflects on telecoms and Internet monopolies.  

Inside the Information Society: What's next?
Inside the Information Society: What's next? 06 March 2017 David Souter

It’s almost a year now since I started writing “Inside the Information Society” as a weekly blog published on APC’s home page. Thirty-six posts to date, each of around a thousand words.    

Inside the Information Society: Mutistakeholderism and multilateralism
Inside the Information Society: Mutistakeholderism and multilateralism 27 February 2017 David Souter

A lot of what is said and written about multistakeholder decision-making juxtaposes it with multilateral arrangements – the dialogue among governments, and governments alone, that is the norm in most other areas of international policy. Some people think these two are incompatible. Others that they can and must be better integrated. What’s the story?

Inside the Information Society: Are developing country voices in ICT decision-making getting louder?
Inside the Information Society: Are developing country voices in ICT decision-making getting louder? 20 February 2017 David Souter

Each week David Souter comments on an important issue for APC members and others concerned about the Information Society. This week’s blog post asks about how far developing countries are represented in international decisions about information and communications technologies (ICTs).

Inside the Information Society: Multistakeholder participation, a work in progress
Inside the Information Society: Multistakeholder participation, a work in progress 13 February 2017 David Souter

Each week David Souter comments on an important issue for APC members and others concerned about the Information Society. This week’s blog post asks what’s happening with multistakeholder participation.    

Inside the Information Society: Who are the stakeholders?
Inside the Information Society: Who are the stakeholders? 06 February 2017 David Souter

Each week David Souter comments on an important issue for APC members and others concerned about the Information Society. This week’s blog post asks who are the stakeholders in multistakeholder participation.

Inside the Information Society: ICTs, SDGs and the future
Inside the Information Society: ICTs, SDGs and the future 30 January 2017 David Souter

This week’s blog post is a shortened version of the presentation that I made last week to the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) in Geneva. It’s a summary of where we are with ICTs, their relationship with SDGs and the policy frameworks we need to make both succeed.  

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