221. Information Policy

This course will introduce students to policy issues and analytical methods in the areas of information systems, communications, computing, and media. Economic, political, social, and legal perspectives will be introduced. The specific topics will vary from year to year and will reflect the current interests of the students and the instructor, but the following list should suggest the range of areas likely to be covered.

Possible Outline of Topics:

1. Background on Information Policy — Domestic
2. Background on Information Policy — International
3. Infrastructure Issues and Technological Change: The Case of NREN, the Internet, NGI, etc.
4. Ownership of Information: Property Rights
5. Intellectual Freedom
6. Access to Information
7. Public vs. Private Provision of Information
8. User Fees for Government-Provided Information
9. Information Markets
10. Privacy
11. Mass Media & Common Carriers
12. National Security
13. Standards, Elements of Industrial Policy
14. Trans-border data flows
15. Consumer information
16. Medical and health information