There is widespread concern that the Internet is exacerbating inequalities between the information rich and poor.

Part I. Introductory Framework: 1. The digital divide; 2. Understanding the digital divide: wired world; 3. Social inequalities; Part II. The Virtual Political System: 4. Theories of digital democracy; 5. e-governance; 6. Online parliaments; 7. Virtual parties; 8. Civic society; Part III. The Democratic Divide: 9. Cyberculture; 10. Digital engagement; 11. Conclusions: promoting digital democracy.