ITU Internet Report 2006 on digital life

The eight edition of the ITU Internet Report, entitled “digital.life”, focuses on consumers and looks at how human lives are being continuously shaped and re-shaped by advances in digital technologies.

The report begins by examining the underlying technologies for new digital lifestyles, from network infrastructure to value creation at the edges. In studying how businesses are adapting to fast-paced digital innovation, the report looks at how they can derive value in an environment driven by convergence at multiple levels. Moreover, a great challenge lies in extending access to underserved areas of the world. In light of media convergence, a fresh approach to policy-making may be required, notably in areas such as content, competition policy, and spectrum management. And as our lives become increasingly mediated by digital technologies, digital identities (both abstract and practical) take on a new dimension. Concerns over privacy and data protection do not seem to be sufficiently addressed by today’s online environments. In this context, the report examines the changing digital individual, and outlines the need for improving the design of identity management mechanisms for a healthy and secure digital world.

The report, which was prepared for the ITU TELECOM World conference (December 4-8 2006 in Hong Kong), contains chapters on enabling digital technologies and lifestyles, digital business, digital identity, as well as comprehensive statistical tables covering over 200 economies.

Chapter summaries are already available, and the report’s full contents will be released on December 3.

Visit report website

(via Pasta and Vinegar)