In most of the schemes I can project, the file would be “alive” with permanently embedded software that could “sense” the surrounding conditions and interact with them … Of course, files that possess the independent ability to communicate upstream sound uncomfortably like the Morris Internet Worm. “Live” files do have a certain viral quality. And serious privacy issues would arise if everyone’s computer were packed with digital spies.
Predictor: Barlow, John Perry
Prediction, in context:In 1994, John Perry Barlow wrote an article for Wired that he described as, “a framework for rethinking patents and copyrights in the Digital Age.” In this passage, he writes about ways in which to “protect” intellectual property. ”In most of the schemes I can project, the file would be ‘alive’ with permanently embedded software that could ‘sense’ the surrounding conditions and interact with them. For example, it might contain code that could detect the process of duplication and cause it to self-destruct. Other methods might give the file the ability to ‘phone home’ through the Net to its original owner. The continued integrity of some files might require periodic ‘feeding’ with digital cash from their host, which they would then relay back to their authors. Of course, files that possess the independent ability to communicate upstream sound uncomfortably like the Morris Internet Worm. ‘Live’ files do have a certain viral quality. And serious privacy issues would arise if everyone’s computer were packed with digital spies.”
Biography:John Perry Barlow helped found the Electronic Frontier Foundation in 1990 with WELL (Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link) members Mitch Kapor and John Gilmore in direct response to a threat to free speech. Barlow’s was one of the loudest voices in the battle to keep the Internet unfettered while still encouraging that it become a tool available to everyone. (Advocate/Voice of the People.)
Date of prediction: March 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Copyright/Intellectual Property/Plagiarism
Name of publication: Wired
Title, headline, chapter name: The Economy of Ideas
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www-swiss.ai.mit.edi/6805/articles/int-prop/barlow-economy-of-ideas.html
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: BIzzell, Natalie