In a few years it will require only a relatively modest additional sum to add and operate cameras with connects to the information highway. Within a decade, computers will be able to scan video records very inexpensively looking for a particular person or activity. I can easily imagine proposals that virtually every pole supporting a streetlight should also have one or more cameras. The images from these cameras might be accessed only in the event of a crime, and even then possibly under court order. Some people might argue that every image from every camera should be available for viewing by everyone at any time. This raisers serious privacy questions in my mind, but advocates might argue that it’s appropriate if the cameras are only in public places.
Predictor: Gates, Bill
Prediction, in context:In his 1995 book “The Road Ahead,” Microsoft CEO Bill Gates writes: ”In a few years it will require only a relatively modest additional sum to add and operate cameras with connects to the information highway. Within a decade, computers will be able to scan video records very inexpensively looking for a particular person or activity. I can easily imagine proposals that virtually every pole supporting a streetlight should also have one or more cameras. The images from these cameras might be accessed only in the event of a crime, and even then possibly under court order. Some people might argue that every image from every camera should be available for viewing by everyone at any time. This raisers serious privacy questions in my mind, but advocates might argue that it’s appropriate if the cameras are only in public places.”
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/Surviellance
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 269
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne