Artificial companions are typically intelligent cognitive 'agents', implemented in software or a physical embodiment such as a robot. This paper is a summary of a forum on Artificial Companions in Society held in October 2007. Artificial companions (ACs) are typically intelligent cognitive 'agents', implemented in software or a physical embodiment such as a robot. They...

This working paper considers the implications of emerging trends in online communication, such as social networking tools and blogs, for governmental engagement with the public.

Is the Internet Governance Forum an ineffectual talking shop unable to influence significantly the hard issues and choices at stake?or an important landmark on the road to more representative multi-stakeholder regulation of the Internet? This paper explores underlying values and policy-making dynamics in international Internet government processes, particularly in relation to the needs of developing...