One reason for documenting a life will be defensive. We can think of the wallet PC as an alibi machine, because encrypted digital signatures will guarantee an unforgettable alibi against false accusations. If someone ever accused you of something, you could retort: “Hey, buddy, I have a documented life. These bits are stored away. I can pay back anything I’ve ever said. So don’t play games with me.” On the other hand, if you were guilty of something, there would be a record of it.
Predictor: Gates, Bill
Prediction, in context:In his 1995 book “The Road Ahead,” Microsoft CEO Bill Gates writes: ”I find the prospect of documented lives a little chilling, but some people will warm to the idea. One reason for documenting a life will be defensive. We can think of the wallet PC as an alibi machine, because encrypted digital signatures will guarantee an unforgettable alibi against false accusations. If someone ever accused you of something, you could retort: ‘Hey, buddy, I have a documented life. These bits are stored away. I can pay back anything I’ve ever said. So don’t play games with me.’ On the other hand, if you were guilty of something, there would be a record of it.”
Biography:Bill Gates, the most influential technology entrepreneur of the late 20th century, was the primary author of the prediction-packed 1995 book “The Road Ahead” and is the founder and CEO of Microsoft Corporation. (Entrepreneur/Business Leader.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Privacy/Surveillance
Name of publication: The Road Ahead (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Chapter 12: Critical Issues
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 268
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne