Democracy goes online

Thanks to the Internet, people in Britain will soon be able to take part in the country’s lawmaking processes—without having to visit MPs’ surgeries or get involved in pressure groups. Live webcasting of government committees (via www.parliamentlive.tv) will let people see and hear evidence as it is given to MPs. While people with digital or cable TV can do this now, with webcasts you can also email the committee your views, via a mediator. The first legislation to allow such online scrutiny will be the upcoming Communications Bill.