Technology Policy: A Look Ahead

"As a result of this convergence of the old “meatspace” economy (the world of atoms) and the digital economy (the world of bits), what it means to be an “Internet policy analyst” is changing and expanding once again. A wide variety of new innovations are now emerging and raising fresh policy concerns."

The move from an Internet of networks to an Internet of platforms represents a significant shift: from a hybrid, decentralized environment where freedom seemed the norm, to a centralized space where the default is privatized enclosure. Still, 1990s and current understandings of digital freedom, power, and law are pervaded by similar market-liberal ... See more

In other words, it’s short-sighted to think technology will remain indefinitely confined to the digital realm.

Technology has always been a double edged sword, bringing us longer and healthier life spans, freedom from physical and mental drudgery, and many new creative possibilities on the one hand, while introducing new and salient dangers on the other. However, the means and knowledge will soon exist in a routine college bioengineering lab (and already ex... See more