ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts of the key concepts discussed in preceding chapters of this book. The book explores the impact of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on political processes and outcomes in Latin America. It focuses on how far the ongoing diffusion of ICTs has made a positive contribution in strengthening democratic governance and combating socio-economic exclusion in the region over the past years. The book explains an encouraging story of increased interconnectivity and visibility of civil society voices that is related to the spread of ICTs in the region, they do not necessarily tell a story of inclusion and equitable access for all. Regional and national civil society organizations that engage in Internet monitoring of parliament activities have repeatedly been subject to intimidating surveillance and defamed as acting in the interest of Venezuela's international enemies.
