When Darin Barney tells people he studies digital politics, they typically ask, “So, is the Internet good for democracy or isn't it?” (179). If you have ever wanted to know, Barney's Communication Technology provides an extremely comprehensive answer to questions about information and communication technologies (ICTs), democracy and Canadian politics.

Communication Technology is one of nine books that comprise the “Canadian Democratic Audit.” The series, covering a range of political institutions and phenomena, examines how well Canadian democracy is functioning at the onset of the twenty-first century. Each volume converges around a set of democratic benchmarks: participation, inclusiveness and responsiveness.

The focus of Communication Technology is much broader than many books in the emerging Internet politics literature, which typically focus on how citizens and institutions are using ICTs politically. Barney's audit not only investigates ICTs as the instruments of democratic practice, but also as the object and the (material) context of democratic citizenship. In so doing, this volume provides a much fuller conception of the relationship between digital technology and Canadian democracy.

The volume centres on three research questions. Chapters 2 and 3 address the extent to which the development of digital communication technology in Canada has been subject to democratic political judgement and control. Chapter 2 assesses the democratic character of the policy cycle governing ICTs, while chapter 3 examines the relationship between ICTs and national culture and sovereignty. Barney shows that the recent policy making surrounding digital technologies represents a striking departure from the history of communication policy in Canada. Historically, the process was a democratic one, particularly when compared with other domestic sectors and internationally. With ICTs, however, the policy process has been characterized by an overrepresentation of industrial interests, while individuals and public interest groups have been systematically excluded, both domestically and globally.

The description of policy processes in these chapters is both lengthy and detailed. This may overwhelm some readers, especially those interested merely in uses of ICTs by Canadian actors and those looking for a more concise answer about the relationship between digital technologies and democracy. That said, those interested in communication policy and history will appreciate the breadth of coverage.

The second question is addressed in chapter 4, which examines the uses of ICTs by democratic actors in Canada, including government, parties, advocacy groups, new social movements and citizens. With the exception of advocacy groups and new social movements, Barney correctly reminds us that “the mere presence or adoption of these technologies is not enough to guarantee a more inclusive, participatory and responsive democracy” (149). The motivations of political actors are central in understanding how they use new technologies.

Chapter 5 examines the third question: the extent to which ICTs affect the distribution of power in Canada. Barney challenges the notion that the so-called “digital divide” is decreasing in Canadian society by reminding us that it captures more than just connectivity. Using women and Aboriginals as examples, he shows that “not everyone who has access to this medium uses it as an equal” (155). Moreover, there is little evidence to show that digital technologies have led to a redistribution of economic and political power. It is argued, rather, that ICTs have hindered the security and leisure resources that are necessary for citizenship.

Is the Internet good for democracy? The volume clearly demonstrates that digital technologies have not resulted in greater participation, inclusiveness and responsiveness in Canadian politics. As the object, means and context of democratic practice, ICTs have not fared well. These conclusions may seem troubling to some readers. It appears that digital technologies provide little tangible benefits for Canadian politics, given that they rarely do well in most studies where democracy is a criterion for evaluation. The volume correctly points out, however, that this is not the fault of the technologies, but rather a measure of how Canadian decision makers and political actors have chosen to employ these technologies. Barney contends that these actors lack both imagination and courage in using digital technologies in a more democratic manner. Barney offers some concluding reflections and suggestions on the book's central themes in the final chapter.

As one of the first comprehensive examinations of ICTs, democracy and Canadian politics, Communication Technology is both timely and important. It is exceptionally well researched, drawing on literature from political science, policy studies, communication studies and sociology, and as such, it speaks to Barney's impressive knowledge of this topic. For those interested in digital politics, the bibliography alone recommends the book's purchase. Given the scarcity of literature, Communication Technology is a must-read for students of digital politics in Canada, and would make an excellent addition to the many courses on digital politics that are being developed.