The information superhighway holds the promise of an information explosion that will enhance our marketplace of ideas and bring untold benefits to all our citizens. But this promise will be an empty one unless people are assured that when they go online or talk on the phone, they are not forfeiting important fundamental rights, like their right to privacy.
Predictor: Leahy, Patrick
Prediction, in context:In his May 1994 testimony at a Senate Technology and the Law Subcommittee hearing on the Clipper Chip Key Escrow Encryption program , Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) makes the following statement: ”The information superhighway holds the promise of an information explosion that will enhance our marketplace of ideas and bring untold benefits to all our citizens. But this promise will be an empty one unless people are assured that when they go online or talk on the phone, they are not forfeiting important fundamental rights, like their right to privacy. New technologies present enormous opportunities for Americans, but we must strive to safeguard our privacy if these technologies are to prosper in this information age. Otherwise, in the service of law enforcement and intelligence needs, we will dampen any enthusiasm Americans may have for taking advantage of the new technologies.”
Biography:Patrick Leahy was a U.S. Senate member who played an important role in Congressional discussions of the Internet in the 1990s. (Legislator/Politician/Lawyer.)
Date of prediction: May 3, 1994
Topic of prediction: Communication
Subtopic: Security/Encryption
Name of publication: Press Release
Title, headline, chapter name: Statement of Senator Patrick J. Leahy Chairman, Technology and the Law Subcommittee Hearing on the Administration’s Clipper Chip Key Escrow Encryption Program
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.eff.org/Privacy/Key_escrow/Clipper/leahy_clipper_050394.testimony
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Little, Brandi W.