Controlling Knowledge: Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection in a Networked World

Digital communications technology has immeasurably enhanced ourcapacity to store, retrieve, and exchange information. But who controlsour access to information, and who decides what others have a right toknow about us? In Controlling Knowledge, author LornaStefanick offers a thought-provoking and user-friendly overview of theregulatory regime that currently governs freedom of information and theprotection of privacy.

Aiming to clarify rather than mystify, Stefanick outlines thehistory and application of FOIP legislation, with special focus on howthese laws affect the individual. To illustrate the impact of FOIP, sheexamines the notion of informed consent, looks at concerns aboutsurveillance in the digital age, and explores the sometimes insidiousinfluence of Facebook. Specialists in public policy and publicadministration, information technology, communications, law, criminaljustice, sociology, and health care will find much here that bearsdirectly on their work, while students and general readers will welcomethe books down-to-earth language and accessible style.

Intended to serve as a citizens guide,Controlling Knowledge is a vital resource for anyone seekingto understand how freedom of information and privacy protection arelegally defined and how this legislation is shaping our individualrights as citizens of the information age.