Wired News is reporting that the BBC is preparing a new set of online tools to foster grassroots activism among Britons. The suite, dubbed “iCan”, will include local and national public fora along with a “democracy database” to help subjects (wow, that sounds archaic, but as far as I know that’s what Britons still are) British citizens (thanks to reader Stuart, who gave a great link clarifying the “subjects” vs. “citizens” issue in the comments) educate themselves on issues and the legislative process. As people start to use the system, the BBC will in turn watch it for potential stories they can run through their various outlets (TV, radio, Web).

This is a very interesting development — the Beeb’s coverage of the Iraq war was of the highest quality, much better than the reporting we got from most American outlets, so any new initiative they undertake is one that I’ll be watching with great interest. They’re keeping the details of “iCan” under wraps at the moment, so it’s hard to say what shape it will take, but as they emerge AEV will pass them along. [Seen on Smart Mobs]