Summary

Within only a few years the Internet has become a prominent part of many Australians' lives. 56% of households have home Internet access; 70% of businesses rely on Internet use, and 23% have a web presence. The expanding presence of the Net, along with the increasing uptake in Internet commerce and broadband high-speed connections impacts on most people, in economic and social terms. This book examines the many uses and abuses of the Internet, topics include: types and extent of Internet use; the 'digital divide'; e-commerce; online news and education; recreational use such as blogging and music/video downloading; interactive gambling; spamming; hacking; viruses and worms; Internet safety and 'safe surfing' issues ¿ pornography and violence, filtering, chatroom grooming by pedophiles; cyberbullying; cyberstalking; e-crime; privacy concerns; online scams; Internet addiction. In spite of its many beneficial practical, social and recreational uses, should the Internet be more policed and regulated? If so, how? Chapter 1: Internet Use in Australia Chapter 2: Internet Abuses and Regulation Glossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index