Amazon | Science fiction writer Brin (The Uplift War) departs from technological fantasy to focus on the social and political ramifications of our information age.

While addressing the technology-vs.-privacy debate, he offers an informed overview of the issues and a useful historical account of how current policies evolved. Also beneficial are his descriptions of the different viewpoints on encryption software, online anonymity, the Clipper Chip and techno-jargon. But when Brin opines on these topics, the book suffers from superficiality.

He appends remarks to the end of each chapter as this: “When you’ve been invited to a really neat party, try to dance with the one who brought you.” His main point — that information and criticism should flow unrestricted — is lost in a melange of armchair social science theory and unrelated observations on the media, morality, identity and manners.

After making a thoughtful case for discouraging encryption and encouraging free speech on the Web, he undercuts his position by calling for e-mail civility, “because people who lash out soon learn that it simply does not pay,” then states that a balance can be achieved between these two extremes. Despite a strong beginning, Brin’s book ultimately lacks clarity and originality.