The global Internet is affecting how people interact and how society works. Ideas and opinions flow faster and in new directions, and as a result power is being distributed in unexpected ways. Until the Internet, the growth of mass media pointed to a world with an increasingly homogeneous culture. Now, the Internet holds the promise to enhance cultural and linguistic diversity on a global scale. New kinds of communities are coming to light.
Borders become porous to ideas, opinions, rumors and facts.
Politics and governments are changing. More countries and the international community recognize Internet evolution as an important economic and policy issue. Major challenges continue as global and national communities struggle to understand the incremental nature of Internet evolution and how to encourage, regulate or discourage its use and growth. Advancing Internet technologies also cause redefinition of current economic activities, regulatory and economic policies, and political issues. Many geographic areas also struggle to extend access to more individuals and institutions.