Step 1: Concept Identification:
The query requires identifying the author of the seminal work "Digital Democracy." This subject area investigates the influence of the internet and digital communication technologies on democratic processes.
Step 3: Detailed Analysis:
Noam Chomsky: Renowned linguist and political commentator, author of "Manufacturing Consent," but not "Digital Democracy."
Marjorie Ferguson: A scholar in communication studies focusing on media and culture; however, not primarily recognized for authoring "Digital Democracy."
Jan van Dijk: A prominent Dutch communication science professor and a leading expert on the societal implications of digital media. He authored the seminal "Digital Democracy: Issues of Theory and Practice" (2000) and "The Network Society."
Basil Bernstein: A British sociologist known for his contributions to the sociology of education.
Step 4: Conclusive Resolution:
Among the provided candidates, the author of the pivotal text "Digital Democracy" is Jan van Dijk.