"Because data is the raw-stuff of information, and information is of primary importance in national development, the free flow of data becomes increasingly necessary for social development. In 'Transnational Data Flows in the Information Age' Hamelink looks closely at its worldwide distribution and finds, not surprisingly, that data, along with the accompanying social benefits resulting from technological information "normally do not befall the poor majority of the Third World." He enumerates the situation in detail, discussing the information age, telematics, transnational corporations and transnational data flows, the impact and disparities in the telematics, data regulation, and consideration of policy. Although emphasis is on the Third World, the background is of necessity general, including Western Europe and the U.S." (Eleanor Blum, Frances G. Wilhoit: Mass media bibliography. 3rd ed. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1990 Nr. 175)