The growth and development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has led to their wide diffusion and application, thus increasing their economic and social impact. The OECD undertakes a wide range of activities aimed at improving our understanding of how ICTs contribute to sustainable economic growth and social well-being and their role in the shift toward knowledge-based societies.

What's new

OECD updates broadband portal with June 2008 data

24-Oct-2008

Broadband subscriptions reached 251 million by June 2008, an increase of 14% from June 2007.  This growth increased broadband penetration rates to 21.3 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, up from 20% in December 2007.

Just published: Broadband Growth and Policies in OECD Countries

03-Jul-2008

This volume examines broadband developments and policies, and highlights challenges such as connecting users to fibre-based networks or coverage of rural areas. It also outlines emerging issues that may need policy attention as we move to next-generation networks. The findings are also relevant to emerging and developing economies designing broadband strategies.

OECD Policy Guidance for Digital Content

25-Jun-2008

Digital content is an important factor driving growth and employment, with widespread impacts on business, governments and society. These policy principles are designed to enhance the benefits of digital content-related innovations by promoting an enabling environment, enhancing the infrastructure, and fostering a business and regulatory climate conducive to the creation, access and use of digital content.

OECD proposes roadmap for the future of the Internet economy

18-Jun-2008

The Seoul Declaration came at the close of the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy, held in Seoul, Korea, on 17-18 June 2008. Participants agreed on the need for governments to work closely with business, civil society and technical experts on policies that promote competition, empower and protect consumers, and expand Internet access and use worldwide.

Governments give consumers a boost at high-level OECD meeting on the future of the Internet

18-Jun-2008

Stepped up actions to combat online identity theft, strengthen mobile commerce business practices, and promote more transparency and consumer flexibility in communication services were highlighted at a high-level OECD meeting on the future of the Internet Economy in Seoul, Korea on 17-18 June.

Recommendation of the OECD Council on the protection of critical information infrastructures

18-Jun-2008

This recommendation provides guidance on the development of policies to protect critical information infrastructures (CII), the disruption or destruction of which would have a serious impact on the safety and well-being of citizens or the effective functioning of government or the economy. This guidance is derived from best practices identified in an OECD background report comparing CII policies in seven countries.

Shaping policies for the future of the Internet economy

18-Jun-2008

This report provides policy direction and guidance from five OECD Committees in Internet-related policy areas. Its objective is to help decision-makers in their efforts to facilitate convergence, stimulate creativity, strengthen confidence, and expand opportunities for global economic, social and cultural development enabled by the Internet.

Development of Policies for the Protection of Critical Information Infrastructures

18-Jun-2008

This report examines how risks to the critical information infrastructure are assessed and managed in general terms, the emerging and existing models for public-private information sharing, and the national responses to the growing need for cross-border collaboration. It includes a comparative analysis of the development of policies for the protection of Critical Information Infrastructures (CII) in Australia, Canada, Korea, Japan, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Recommendation of the OECD Council for enhanced access and more effective use of public sector information

18-Jun-2008

This Recommendation is designed as a general framework for Member countries to foster wider and more effective use of public sector information and content, and the generation of new uses from it. It lays out principles for openness and transparent conditions for re-use, quality and integrity, new technologies and long-term preservation, copyright, pricing, competition and redress, and international access.

The Future of the Internet Economy: A statistical profile

16-Jun-2008

This statistical profile, prepared for the OECD Ministerial meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy taking place in Seoul on 17-18 June, compares major trends in the diffusion of the Internet across OECD and selected non-OECD countries.

Policy brief: The future of the Internet economy

06-Jun-2008

Major changes are affecting the scope and scale of the Internet. As a result, the Internet is increasingly high on the policy agenda in many OECD and non-OECD countries. This policy brief reviews likely future developments in the Internet economy and how policy-makers can help the Internet to adapt to evolving requirements caused by convergence, continue to drive innovation, and be trustworthy.

OECD report on communications convergence and impact on competition

05-Jun-2008

OECD has just issued a new report on convergence and next generation networks and their potential impact on policies and regulations.  The report addresses issues of competition in the new fibre environment, convergence of video, voice and data services, the rapid growth of new technologies, such as HDTV and mobile television, and the related demand for spectrum, as well as new possible "divides" between urban and rural areas created by the uneven development of high-speed fibre networks.

Malware: A Security Threat to the Internet Economy

29-May-2008

Malware has evolved from occasional “exploits” to a multi-million dollar criminal industry. This report informs policy makers about the evolution and impact of malware, as well as the counter-measures being taken. It concludes with suggestions for greater co-operation across the various international communities addressing malware.

Economics of malware: Security decisions, incentives and externalities

29-May-2008

While originating in criminal behaviour, the magnitude and impact of the malware phenomenon is also influenced by the decisions and behaviour of legitimate market players. This working paper is based on qualitative empirical research into the incentives of market players when dealing with malware.

Consumer empowerment in communication services

23-May-2008

Improving the ability of consumers to choose between competing suppliers is important for well functioning markets. The report examines how to increase market flexibility for consumers in communication services, and improve access to information.

Online identity theft: measuring the threat to consumers

20-May-2008

Identity theft has been identified by many as the fastest growing crime of the 21st Century. This paper examines the scope and scale of the issue, recommending the development of adequate law enforcement countermeasures to prevent, detect and deter it.

See more news and events… Top of page

The Future Internet question

Tell leaders what you think!

Keep informed!

The latest OECD news on ICT

RSS feed for Information and Communication Technologies

Editor's Choice

The most recent comparable data on communication sector performance.

OECD Communications Outlook 2007

Keep informed!

Keep abreast of the latest in ICT policy.

Receive your copy of OECD Information and Communication Policy News