The goals of information policy are remarkably similar throughout the world. The mechanisms chosen to achieve these goals, however, differ widely. In the West, the mechanisms are determined by the prevailing free-market economic and political philosophy. They depend on the profit motive, competition and deregulation. In East Asia, a different policy agenda is emerging - the emphasis is on partnership between the State and the private sector, with the State taking the lead in the formulation of policy and in financing investment in the infrastructure.
Competition is managed and regulated.
These two approaches accommodate different economic, social and political conditions. While the production of computer graphic images can require specialised skills and equipment, much can be achieved with basic computer literacy and standard hardware. Public domain sources of graphics, icons and clip-art are also noted. Some more advanced uses of Web graphics including clickable image-maps, and animated images. Most online electronic journals have hitherto been made available without an explicit charge and typically have been accessed directly by readers.