Research articles on DIVERSITY

Zero rating has emerged as one of the most contentious communications policy debates of the last decade. The offer of ‘free’ access to select applications compromises network neutrality, at the same time as it can present advantages to users with limited economic resources. How can we attempt to reconcile these conflicting dimensions of zero rating?

WhatsApp in Brazil: mobilising voters through door-to-door and personal messages

Mauricio Moura, The George Washington University
Melissa R. Michelson, Menlo College
PUBLISHED ON: 31 Dec 2017 DOI: 10.14763/2017.4.775

The Brazilian 2014 elections were the first to heavily apply Whatsapp as a micro-targeting tool. This paper aims to test the effectiveness of Whatsapp compared to more traditional approaches. First, we find that short videos delivered via WhatsApp are a powerful method of increasing turnout among teen voters. Second, we add Brazil to the list of countries in which the traditional method of door-to-door canvassing has been proven a powerful method of mobilising voters.

Internet accessibility and disability policy: lessons for digital inclusion and equality from Australia

Gerard Goggin, University of Sydney
Scott Hollier, Media Access Australia
Wayne Hawkins, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)
PUBLISHED ON: 14 Mar 2017 DOI: 10.14763/2017.1.452

Internet accessibility for people with disabilities is long overdue. We draw on pioneering Australian efforts, compared with recent US and European initiatives, to argue for better disability internet policy now.

While intermediary liability is becoming an issue of increasing importance in internet governance discussions, little is being made at the institutional level to minimise conflicts across jurisdictions and ensure the compliance of intermediary liability laws with fundamental rights and the freedom to innovate.