Jonathan Zittrain's The Future of the Internet and How to Stop It

Created by Anna Gould (EDUCAUSE) on November 14, 2008

Washington, DC- I'm starting to read Jonathan Zittrain's The Future of the Internet and How to Stop It, a book that came out earlier this year. Recently, Zittrain was in town, promoting his book's message at an event sponsored by the New America Foundation. During his discussion, he warned that "as the Internet becomes more popular, it starts to shake on its way up."

The basic premise of his book is that the generativity of the Internet and its associated platforms are threatened by regulation, stunted creativity, and less innovation. Zittrain says that if technology is controlled in central places and leaves no room for other players to manipulate it for expanded use, it presents a perfect opportunity for government regulation and less innovation. To illustrate his point, he says the Apple II was "quintessentially generative technology," because it allowed people to "tinker with it." The iPhone, however, is the quite the opposite. It is true that Apple now allows Apple-approved apps for the iPhone. However, a novice trying to add her own app may find she has an iBrick, because the Apple product becomes inoperable if unauthorized apps are added. As Saul Hansell of the New York Times said, "Do things Apple's way" by not installing outside software or upgrading for the latest features. But is that a good thing? Though the Apple II and iPhone were both launched by the same man, Steve Jobs, they are "radically different," and that does not bode well for the Internet's future, Zittrain argues.

Zittrain decries the "tethering" of appliances to networks, arguing that this trend does not create an environment that favors innovation. While he acknowledges that consumers are willingly accepting limits on their PCs for the benefit of security and ease, he says "those who have built and maintained the Internet" must "devise ways to push the system toward a future that addresses the very real problems that are forcing change, while preserving the elements we hold dear." So security is important, but at what cost? Is the tethering of devices really all that bad? Are our efforts for Internet innovation doomed, or is Zittrain perhaps off the mark on this? These are some interesting questions to ponder while going through The Future of the Internet.

I'll be devoting a few more blog posts to the book as I work my way through it.

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		Jonathan Zittrain's The Future of the Internet and How to Stop It Created by Anna Gould (EDUCAUSE) on November 14, 2008 Washington, DC- I'm starting to read Jonathan Zittrain's The Future of the Internet and How to Stop It, a book that came out earlier this year. Recently, Zittrain was in town, promoting his book's message at an event sponsored by the New America Foundation. During his discussion, he warned that "as the Internet becomes more popular, it starts to shake on its way up." The basic premise of his book is that the generativity of the Internet and its associated platforms are threatened by regulation, stunted creativity, and less innovation. Zittrain says that if technology is controlled in central places and leaves no room for other players to manipulate it for expanded use, it presents a perfect opportunity for government regulation and less innovation. To illustrate his point, he says the Apple II was "quintessentially generative technology," because it allowed people to "tinker with it." The iPhone, however, is the quite the opposite. It is true that Apple now allows Apple-approved apps for the iPhone. However, a novice trying to add her own app may find she has an iBrick, because the Apple product becomes inoperable if unauthorized apps are added. As Saul Hansell of the New York Times said, "Do things Apple's way" by not installing outside software or upgrading for the latest features. But is that a good thing? Though the Apple II and iPhone were both launched by the same man, Steve Jobs, they are "radically different," and that does not bode well for the Internet's future, Zittrain argues. Zittrain decries the "tethering" of appliances to networks, arguing that this trend does not create an environment that favors innovation. While he acknowledges that consumers are willingly accepting limits on their PCs for the benefit of security and ease, he says "those who have built and maintained the Internet" must "devise ways to push the system toward a future that addresses the very real problems that are forcing change, while preserving the elements we hold dear." So security is important, but at what cost? Is the tethering of devices really all that bad? Are our efforts for Internet innovation doomed, or is Zittrain perhaps off the mark on this? These are some interesting questions to ponder while going through The Future of the Internet. I'll be devoting a few more blog posts to the book as I work my way through it. Washington Update \| Future of the Internet \| future technology \| Internet \| Internet Products and Services \| Jonathan Zittrain Anna's blog Login or register to post comments 164 reads
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