As computer and network technology changes, lots of words and concepts will change their meanings. This is both inevitable and reasonable. But it also means that we will have conflicts about what words ought to mean. “Privacy” is one of those words, and we should be vigilant in defining and defending an expansive understanding of it.
Predictor: Agre, Phil
Prediction, in context:The June 1994 issue of The Network Observer, an online newsletter, carries an article titled “Orwellian Privacy” by Phil Agre, TNO editor, who was, at the time, working in the Department of Information Studies, University of California, Los Angeles. Agre writes:”As computer and network technology changes, lots of words and concepts will change their meanings. This is both inevitable and reasonable. But it also means that we will have conflicts about what words ought to mean. ÔPrivacyÕ is one of those words, and we should be vigilant in defining and defending an expansive understanding of it.”
Biography:Phillip E. Agre was an associate professor of information studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, and has been the author of research studies on the Internet. He edited The Network Observer, an online newsletter on Internet issues. (Research Scientist/Illuminator.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Privacy/Surveillance
Name of publication: The Network Observer
Title, headline, chapter name: Orwellian privacy
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://dlis.gseis.ucla.edu/people/pagre/tno/june-1994.html
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne