Issues Related to the Emergence of the Information Superhighway and California Societal Changes, IISTPS Report 96-4

The Norman Y. Mineta International Institute for Surface Transportation Policy Studies (IISTPS) at San José State University (SJSU) conducted this project to review the continuing development of the Internet and the Information Superhighway. Emphasis was placed on an examination of the impact on commuting and working patterns in California, and an analysis of how public transportation agencies, including Caltrans, might take advantage of the new communications technologies. The document reviews the technology underlying the current Internet “structure” and examines anticipated developments. It is important to note that much of the research for this limited-scope project was conducted during 1995, and the topic is so rapidly evolving that some information is almost automatically “dated.” The report also examines how transportation agencies are basically similar in structure and function to other business entities, and how they can continue to utilize the emerging technologies to improve internal and external communications. As part of a detailed discussion of specific transportation agency functions, it is noted that the concept of a “Roundtable Forum,” growing out of developments in Concurrent Engineering, can provide an opportunity for representatives from multiple jurisdictions to utilize the Internet for more coordinated decision-making. The report also included an extensive analysis of demographic trends in California in recent years, such as commute and recreational activities, and identifies how the emerging technologies may impact future changes

Measuring Digital Opportunity for America's Children: Where We Stand and Where We Go From Here

Examines the connection between access to technology and the health, economic opportunity, community involvement, and educational achievement of youth. Makes recommendations for addressing the opportunity gap for low-income and ethnic-minority children

Leslislating in the Face of New Technology: Copyright Laws for the Digital Age

This Note discusses the agendas and proposals of different countries with respect to copyright regulation in the digital age. Part I discusses the present state of copyright law in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Community. Part I also examines laws that have developed in response to new technology. Part II considers the varying commentaries and proposals addressing the promulgation of copyright law for digital technology. Part III argues that the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Community should take their existing copyright concepts and expand them to fit with digital technology. In addition, Part III maintains that lawmakers should consider copyright infringement liability standards which are based on an OSP\u27s knowledge of and ability to control infringing works appearing on online services. Finally, this Note concludes that promulgation of copyright laws relating to the Internet is crucial to the growth of online services and a necessary prerequisite to a global information infrastructure