Rules and Politics

The social and economic context of information creation, dissemination, access, and use definitely affect availability of resources. Our society is so possession- oriented, having a preoccupation with supply and demand, that those who have access to information must be compared and contrasted with those who do not.
However, since "rulemaking... enables the public to receive information about a law or agency or policy, participate in the formulation of that law and policy, and hold the agency accountable in applying that law or policy" (Hernon, 243) rules and regulations about information access and use become political issues as well as potential social and economic barriers.
In order to function effectively and efficiently, the rules that are made regarding information resources and ICTs must be not only economically feasible and socially expedient for the majority, but also politically correct.
Afterall, equitable access to information is the factor that makes democracy feasible and the democratic process possible, based on every citizen's ability to access multiple points of view, come to individual conclusions based on the available information, and act on informed opinions within the framework of established democratic processes.

Hernon, P., Relyea, H.C., Dugan, R. E., & Cheverie, J.F. (2002). United States Government information: Policies and sources. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.