Internet Exercises

1. Research an Issue

The United States government works because there are so many parties involved in the process. Your job in this assignment is to see how various parties contribute to the discussion of an issue. Select a fairly general issue in communication. You need one that is rather old or has been widely discussed. You will go to the various parties to the issue and collect one relevant document from each.

1. The Legislative branch is represented by the Congress (thomas.loc.gov) and regulatory agencies such as the Federal Communication Commission (www.FCC.gov) or the Federal Trade Commission (www.FTC.gov.)
2. The Executive branch is represented by the President (www.whitehouse.gov) and advisors such as the National Telecommunication and Information Administration .
3. The Judicial branch is represented by the courts (http://www.supremecourtus.gov/),(http://www.findlaw.com/).
4. The people also contribute to the discussion through advocacy groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (www.EFF.com) and trade groups like the National Association of Broadcasters (www.NAB.org) or the National Cable Telecommunication Association (www.NCTA.com.)

2. Privacy

Most web services have adopted privacy policies. Select two web sites - as different as possible - and read and summarize their privacy policies. What is fair and what don't you like? How do the two sites differ?