E-mail passes from machine to machine, and many people in the middle can read it. Systems are also vulnerable to break-ins, and passwords are commonly stolen. Some may decide they don’t need the high level of privacy cryptology affords, especially given the additional effort encrypting data requires. But as Internet communications becomes common, people will want private contact with business associates, physicians, attorneys, accountants and lovers.
Predictor: Sussman, Vic
Prediction, in context:The 1995 book “The Information Revolution,” edited by Donald Altschiller, carries a reprint of the Jan. 23, 1995, U.S. News & World Report article “Policing Cyberspace” by Vince Sussman. Sussman explores First Amendment rights in cyberspace. He writes: ”‘Without encryption, E-mail is no more secure than a postcard,’ says cryptographer Bruce Schneier, author of “E-mail Security: How to Keep Your Electronic Messages Private.” E-mail passes from machine to machine, and many people in the middle can read it. Systems are also vulnerable to break-ins, and passwords are commonly stolen. Some may decide they don’t need the high level of privacy cryptology affords, especially given the additional effort encrypting data requires. But as Internet communications becomes common, people will want private contact with business associates, physicians, attorneys, accountants and lovers.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Communication
Subtopic: Security/Encryption
Name of publication: The Information Revolution (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Policing Cyberspace
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 114
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne