The chapter examines the diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICT) in contemporary Italy and the development of an Italian information society. With its modern economy and advanced society, Italy heavily relies on ICT. However, the country has been a peculiar case among developed countries, as it has one of the highest penetration rates for cellular phones and one of the lowest for household computers. Typically, in ICT, Italy presents innovative niches along with backward areas, both in the private sector and in the public administration. As in many other examples, “confronting a crisis” has become a way of being for Italy, in ICT as well. Likewise, membership in the EU has been a mixed blessing, as it has provided funds and expertise along with regulations and peer pressure for the country to conform its information infrastructures to those of its European partners. Overall, the chapter explores issues ranging from ICT penetration rates to privacy and online censorship to the resilience and protection of the national information infrastructure.
"Va Pensiero": The Evolution of Italy's Information Society
Giacomello, Giampiero
2018
Abstract
The chapter examines the diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICT) in contemporary Italy and the development of an Italian information society. With its modern economy and advanced society, Italy heavily relies on ICT. However, the country has been a peculiar case among developed countries, as it has one of the highest penetration rates for cellular phones and one of the lowest for household computers. Typically, in ICT, Italy presents innovative niches along with backward areas, both in the private sector and in the public administration. As in many other examples, “confronting a crisis” has become a way of being for Italy, in ICT as well. Likewise, membership in the EU has been a mixed blessing, as it has provided funds and expertise along with regulations and peer pressure for the country to conform its information infrastructures to those of its European partners. Overall, the chapter explores issues ranging from ICT penetration rates to privacy and online censorship to the resilience and protection of the national information infrastructure.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
