Bits, Bytes, and Big Brother: Federal Information Control in the Technological Age / Edition 1

by Shannon E. Martin

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275949006
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/21/1995
Series:	Praeger Series in Political Communication
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.44(d)

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.

Table of Contents

Author's Note
Foreword
Introduction: Preliminary Considerations of Information Access and Control
Brief History of Affirmative Federal Public Access Law
Definition of "Information"
The Foreign Agents Registration Act
The Computer Security Act of 1987
The Pentagon Rules on Media Access
Principles of Ethical Reasoning
Ethical Principles in Federal Information Control
Federal Information Control in a Technological Age
Appendix 1: Foreign Agents Registration and Propaganda Act
Appendix 2: The Computer Security Act of 1987
Media Pools in the Persian Gulf 1991
Selected Bibliography
Legal Index
Subject Index
Name Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviews federal information control actions in light of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, comparing First Amendment principles from the 18th century to information control actions such as the Foreign Agents Registration and Propaganda Act, the Computer Security Act of 1987, and the Pentagon media rules during the Persian Gulf War. Analyzes practical, ethical, and legal issues involved in federal information control, and recommends a proactive information policy. Includes appendices of the three federal actions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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