Book review: The Future of the Internet – And How to Stop It, by Jonathan L Zittrain.
“The framers of the Internet did not design their network with visions of mainstream dominance. Instead, the very unexpectedness of its success was a critical ingredient,” says Jonathan Zittrain in his free e-book The Future of the Internet – And How to Stop It.
“The Internet was able to develop quietly and organically for years before it became widely known, remaining outside the notice of those who would have insisted on more cautious strictures had they only suspected how ubiquitous it would become.”
Sea change
Yet Zittrain raises a concern that the Internet may be headed for a more controlled future. “With the unwitting help of its users, the generative Internet is on a path to a lockdown, ending its cycle of innovation—and facilitating unsettling new kinds of control. As tethered appliances and applications eclipse the PC, the very nature of the Internet—its “generativity,” or innovative character—is at risk.”
In a recent article in ComputerWorld, Zittrain responds to criticism of his view of cloud computing.
“I don’t begrudge operators of cloud-based services,” Zittrain says, “or vendors wanting to sell or consult about exciting new cloud technology, their enthusiasm about ubiquitous networks-or their outrage when they feel their parade being rained on a little.
“But for the areas many of us should be caring and thinking about, the sea change occurring in our control over our code and content must be addressed, especially since the move to the cloud can be appealing for so many other reasons.”
