[Chapter-delegates] ISOC-NY Webcast - Jonathan Zittrain

[WWWhatsup]

Chapters wishing a free DVD copy should send
their PO Box to mailto:dvd at isoc-ny.org?subject=ZittrainDVD

=================================

ISOC-NY Webcast

http://www.isoc-ny.org/?p=195

Jonathan Zittrain - The Future of the Internet - And How to Stop It

Jonathan Zittrain is something of an Internet prodigy. A
co-founder of the Berkman Center at Harvard, he is now the
Professor of Internet Governance and Regulation at the
Oxford Internet Institute in England, these being the two
premier institutions in the field. Jonathan has written a
book 'The Future of the Internet — And How to Stop It' and
this event was in the nature of a launch party three days
before its official release date.

Zittrain explains that the Internet and much of what is
built on top of it is "generative" - it welcomes change
from anyone, anywhere. The benefits of generativity are
innovative output (new things that improve people's lives),
and participatory input (the opportunity to connect with
other people, work with them, and express oneself). But
security issues online, like viruses, spyware, and
invasions of privacy, will see this generative
infrastructure replaced by fashionable "tethered
appliances," including iPods, iPhones, Xboxes, and TiVos.
These devices are not generative-they can't be modified
easily by users, even as they are continuously regulated
and controlled by their makers. Zittrain offers an
accessible discussion of the looming problems of an
"appliancized" future and provides a set of visionary
solutions to help stop it.

The talk runs just over an hour.

======================================

Joly MacFie  
Secretary
Internet Society - New York Chapter
http://isoc-ny.org