‘Compunications’: a policy agenda

There are four points which are especially useful in understanding the evolving world of computers and communications in the USA.¹ The first is that the information industries, which were separate and distinct as recently as a decade ago, are now tightly intertwined and in turmoil. Second, the demands and stakes of individual consumers are undergoing significant changes. Third, there are great economic and political stakes in the information world. Finally, the stance of the US government in general is marginally adequate, at best, to cope with the turmoil.