Extremism and the Internet (EMAIN)
British Library Research and Innovation Report 145.
The Internet has some 60 million users: that number is doubling every year. The vast majority of this usage is perfectly legitimate, and may serve to influence social change for the better. However, there are concerns over use of the Internet by neo-Nazi and other extremist groups. Extremist use of the Internet needs to be addressed if the whole of society is to gain from the benefits, and at the same time be protected from the threats, of the new information networks. Library and information services have a key role to play in ensuring a threat-free environment, and have responsibilities to the users they serve. Balancing the right to freedom of expression with the protection of minorities and vulnerable groups is no easy task.
Extremism and the Internet is a result of the EMAIN project, funded by the British Library Research and Innovation Centre under the Digital Library Research Programme. The report contributes to understanding the nature and extent of these problems, explores ways in which mis-use can be discouraged and controlled, and explores in detail the issues of extremist use of networked information services, identifying specific problem areas.
Extremism and the Internet may be used by both policy makers and practitioners as a practical and authoritative resource. The Centre for Research in Library and Information Management (CERLIM) would like to offer you the opportunity to purchase a copy of Extremism and the Internet report.
Authors: Peter Brophy, Jenny Craven, Shelagh Fisher ISBN: 0953534308, 95pp, Price: £15 inc. P&P