Although these objectives are not specifically aimed at improving democratic participation, they either indirectly do so or have a neutral effect. If we take democracy broadly defined as in our third definition of democracy - it is apparent that current online initiatives do not run against a more informed and potentially more engaged citizenry, but rather support it. The following diagram suggests a method to identify and make explicit possible conflicts between government objectives. For example such an approach might identify conflicts between government industry development objectives and its objectives of purchasing ICTs for its own use at least cost. Development of an information society and economy.
Some online initiatives are clearly neutral in their effect.
Whilst this may be a happy coincidence for the moment, and it is far too early to judge long-term trends, experience suggests government vigilance will be necessary. Robert W. McChesney, 'The Internet and U.S. Communication Policy-Making in Historical and Critical Perspective'. Mitchell Kapor, quoted in Robert W. McChesney, ibid. Multimedia Victoria, Department of State Development, Victorian State Government, Australia. The views of the authors do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of Multimedia Victoria.