[A] planetary information network [should be created to promote economic growth, foster democracy and] link the people of the world. It will be a means by which families and friends will transcend the barriers of time and distance. It will make possible a global information marketplace, where consumers can buy and sell products.
Predictor: Gore, Al
Prediction, in context:In a 1994 article for The New York Times, Nathaniel Nash covers the United Nations Telecommunications Conference in Buenos Aires, quoting Al Gore. Nash writes: ”Discussing a favorite theme, Vice President Al Gore told a United Nations telecommunications conference here today that a ‘planetary information network’ should be created to promote economic growth, foster democracy and ‘link the people of the world. It will be a means by which families and friends will transcend the barriers of time and distance,’ he said. ‘It will make possible a global information marketplace, where consumers can buy and sell products.’ The vice president’s proposal sounded somewhat like an international version of the national information infrastructure he proposed for the United States in January. He offered no American funds or detailed blueprint today and said that the network should be created by private industry … His remarks were interpreted as a signal to the representatives of 132 countries here, including business executives, that the United States wanted developing countries to open their telecommunications industries entirely to private enterprise and competition.”
Biography:Al Gore, a former U.S. senator and vice president, made the future of technology an important part of his political agenda and was a leader in technology policymaking in the years before and during the Clinton Administration. Internet pioneers said his support had significant impact in the building of the U.S. network. (Legislator/Politician/Lawyer.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: General, Overarching Remarks
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: New York Times
Title, headline, chapter name: Gore Sees Privatization of Global Data Links
Quote Type: Partial quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=059a81fea003efd2574b10855edb5f79&_docnum=53&wchp=dGLbVlb-lSlAl&_md5=4301c33ebc62c3fee8027b1e3571ffe3
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Fedders, Peter J.