Information Society from TCE Standard

Information Society from TCE Standard

Information Society Information has become very significant in the economies of Canada and other technologically advanced countries. The first half of the 20th century was characterized by a shift in the dominant economic activity from agricultural to industrial production. The second half has been characterized by a shift toward the production, processing, storage, retrieval and consumption of information: not only the familiar press, radio, television, film and library information, but also specialized computer banks of data (ie, information) that are sold to subscribers over TELECOMMUNICATIONS lines. This development is made possible by major technological improvements in microelectronics, computers and telecommunications that have continually reduced the costs of processing and transmitting information.

The Canadian government has adopted a policy of promoting rapid adjustment to the information society, with its potential improvements in economic efficiency. This policy is not without problems. Information technologies often promote centralization, and since much Canadian information is already stored outside Canada, the Canadian economy could become even more dependent on the US and multinational corporations. Personal privacy may become even more difficult to protect. Employment opportunities in Canada may be reduced. Information that used to be generally available, eg, in libraries, may have to be purchased from a databank. With information treated as a primary marketable commodity in the information society, unless social policies are adjusted accordingly, the wealthy may improve their position to the detriment of the poor.

Author WILLIAM H. MELODY