Because machines holding data are widely networked, and owned and operated by many different organizations, it will not be possible for an individual to inspect all the data held in computers about him or her … Current data-protection legislation is a relic of the old mainframe era … It’s not a case of governments taking control. Broadcasting is centralized and amenable to that. But the networks are interactive and put tremendous processing and computer power at every node. You can’t keep the lid on that.
Predictor: Taylor, John
Prediction, in context:In a 1995 article for Electronic Engineering Times, Peter Clarke reports on the remarks made by John Taylor, director of Hewlett-Packard European research and development arm, at a Brussels, Belgium, exhibition held in conjunction with a Group of Seven ministerial conference. Clarke writes: ”Taylor believes a networked information society might need new laws on privacy. ‘Because machines holding data are widely networked, and owned and operated by many different organizations, it will not be possible for an individual to inspect all the data held in computers about him or her, although this is the process on which the present U.K. Data Protection Legislation is based,’ he said. He also pointed out that some of the data will inevitably be wrong. What recourse will an individual have to find and correct such errors or lies? ‘Current data-protection legislation is a relic of the old mainframe era,’ he said, indicating that the law and possibly new authorities will have to be set up. ‘It’s not a case of governments taking control. Broadcasting is centralized and amenable to that. But the networks are interactive and put tremendous processing and computer power at every node. You can’t keep the lid on that.'”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Privacy/Surveillance
Name of publication: Electronic Engineering Times
Title, headline, chapter name: Transaction Taxes Seen for Info Superhighway: HP Laboratories’ Europe Research Director Sees Focus on Economic Issues
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://web7.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/852/216/33661254w7/purl=rc1_EAIM_0_A16864068&dyn=5!xrn_1_0_A16864068?sw_aep=ncliveec
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney