http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303654804576339403447469250.html
The G8, meaning the top countries with the greatest economies (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Russia) are putting the issue of the internet on their agenda. On May 24 and 25, French President Nicolas Sarkozy will be meeting executives from various internet, telecommunication and media companies essentially to talk about how the government and the internet can have a more harmonious relationship -one that would benefit both those running the government and those running the online world.
One of the things Sarkozy has been trying to do to help the governemnet benifit from the revenue created online is “punish online intellectual-property thieves.” I think this article is interesting because it really does show, in perspective, just how great the internet and media sites have become. They have in a way superseded governmental power and transcend country lines. The fact that government officials recognize how great of a tool the internet and social media sites are for not only creating revenue but also for some politicians being an essential part of their political campaigns, shows just how important those in control of these sites really are.
It seems as though now countries, especially those that have the top economies of the world have come to realize that having control over the internet and these sites means having more control over the millions of people who use them.
So how does a govenment ensure that they will stay mighty and powerful and have control over their people in this day and age? You set up a meeting with the top exectives from internet, telecommunication and media sites and make sure you get what you need.
