Introduction to the Networked Communications Environment

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Introduction to the Networked Communications
Environment
Lisa Horner, Global Partners
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What is the networked communications environment?

• Communications industries used to operate
  separately from each other
• Telecommunications, newspapers, broadcasting.
• Digital, networked technologies are bringing
  these industries together.
• The result A diverse array of overlapping
  actors, institutions and technologies
• ? The networked communications environment

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The networked communications environment
USERS
Structural scaffolding (Norms, values, economic
processes)
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The layer model of the networked communications
environment
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The layers in the model
The content layer the subject matter of the
communication
The Application layer tools to navigate content.
Connectivity code layer the language or
protocols of the communication.
The Physical layer the physical infrastructure
that makes communications possible.
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The Drivers of change
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The layer model of the networked communications
environment
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Challenges and opportunities for freedom of
expression

• Physical layer
• Who owns and controls the infrastructure and
  access to it?
• Connectivity layer
• How can we ensure that networks and technologies
  are compatible, accessible and open to
  innovation?
• Applications layer
• How can we be sure that those who influence how
  we navigate content are acting in the public
  interest?
• Content layer
• What is influencing the subject matter of
  communications?

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Conclusions

• The networked communications environment is
  continuing to evolve.
• Freedom of expression advocates need to act now.
• Intervention should take into consideration the
  complex inter-relationships between different
  actors and institutions at each of the layers.