The prediction, in brief:

[Clipper] will make computer-based communication routinely safe and private in a way that gives us a fighting chance of keeping our ability to spy on criminals.

Predictor: Gelernter, David

Prediction, in context:

In a 1995 article in Scholastic Update, an article quotes David Gelernter’s comments on the Clinton administration’s support of the “Clipper Chip,” and its possible use to protect national security. The article says:”Law enforcement agencies say that listening in on telephone conversations and secretly searching computer files are important tools for gathering evidence against suspected terrrorists, spies, drug dealers, and criminal organizations … but high-power codes make this kind of law enforcement impossible … So the government came up with Clipper. Inserted into a telephone or computer, it too uses code to scramble information – but with a catch. Clipper has a built-in back door that allows the government to unlock the code with a special key … President Clinton wants Clipper to become standard for all computer and communications equipment built in this country. If terrorists are plotting to blow up the World Trade Center, officials want the ability to listen in on their conversations. ‘It will make computer-based communication routinely safe and private in a way that gives us a fighting chance of keeping our ability to spy on criminals,’ says David Gerlernter, a Yale University computer scientist.”

Biography:

David Gelernter, a Yale University scientist, was the author of “Mirror Worlds,” “1939: The Lost World of the Fair” and “The Muse in the Machine.” (Research Scientist/Illuminator.)

Date of prediction: September 2, 1994

Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues

Subtopic: Privacy/Surveillance

Name of publication: Scholastic Update

Title, headline, chapter name: No Secrets in Cyberspace?

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
www.proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?Did=000000009080567&Fmt=3&Deli=1&Mtd=1&Idx=

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Falcone, Peter P.