INTERNET HISTORY NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2005
Welcome to the Internet History Newsletter, brought to you by the
www.nethistory.info website.
In this edition, we try to predict what 2005 will be remembered for in Internet
history. Here's what we came up with.
=> WSIS - governments try to control the Internet
=> GOOGLEISATION - new public policy issues emerge
=> PRESIDENTIAL MEDALS OF FREEDOM FOR CERF AND KAHN
===============================================================
Tell a friend about the Internet History newsletter!
The simple way to subscribe is to
mailto:subscribe@nethistory.info.
No need to add a name or a header or anything - we will get the message!
==============================================================
As 2005 draws to a close, what will the year be remembered for in Internet
history?
Well, we can't be sure, but here are a few things that are likely to be
remembered.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WSIS - governments try to control the Internet
2005 was the year of the World Summit on then Information Society, but of
particular importance to the Internet was the debate about the role of nations
and the United Nations in Internet governance.
A great deal happened in this respect, and a great deal didn't. In terms of
actual control functions, things probably got worse, as, is the light of a
challenge from the UN to play a larger role, Internet governance became
politicized within the USA and the USA decided to tighten its grip. If this was
a mere bureaucratic move, it could be dismissed - but this was very political,
purportedly involving the White House and certainly involving various elected
members.
On one level, it makes very little difference at all. On another level, however,
the Internet at least in terms of ICANN, has become very much declared an item
of national interest by USA.
On a practical level, the counter-measure was establishment of a UN sponsored
Internet Governance Forum, which will meet for the first time in 2006. This new
body will prove interesting in how it approaches various key issues.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
GOOGLEISATION - new public policy issues emerge
2005 was also the year in which the power of Google became apparent. Moving from
a simple base as a very good Internet search engine, Google, using excessive
market capitalisation that had some people talking of a second 'dotcom' era,
proceeded to
' Make available Google Maps, raising ire among some countries at the easy
availability of satellite imagery of military facilities
' Became evidence in a criminal court case in USA, where Google searches on the
words 'neck' and 'snap' became part of criminal evidence, raising substantial
privacy issues
' Released Google desktop, with cookies allowing customization of news alerts
and further raising privacy concerns
' Released Google Print, a plan to make available on line literary works,
raising copyright concerns
' Began rolling out city wide free wireless networks in towns such as Mountain
View, California, posing enormous challenges for those who would regulate
telephony and broadcast facilities and support the economic viability of legacy
broadcast and telephony models
And much more. This was the year that Google posed new challenges for
regulators.
===========================================================================================
PRESIDENTIAL MEDALS OF FREEDOM FOR CERF AND KAHN
President George W. Bush announced both Vint Cerf and Robert Kahn as recipients
of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the USA's highest civil award.
Established by Executive Order 11085 in 1963, the Medal may be awarded by the
President 'to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to
(1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace,
or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.' President
Bush honored the recipients at a White House ceremony on Wednesday, November 9,
2005.
The citation read 'Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn designed the software code that
is used to transmit data over the Internet. Dr. Cerf and Dr. Kahn have been at
the forefront of a digital revolution that has transformed global commerce,
communication, and entertainment'.
Other recipients included Muhammad Ali, Carol Burnett, Robert Conquest, Aretha
Franklin, Alan Greenspan, Andy Griffith, and Jack Nicklaus
Both Vint Cerf and Robert Kahn deserve the highest accolades for their
contributions. No two people have made greater contributions.
=============================================================================================
And that was the year that was. Did we miss anything significant? If so, let us
know (mailto:feedback@nethistory.info)
We'll be back next year. In the meantime, we wish you all the best for the
festive season.
=> LINK TO THIS SITE
Why not create a link from your site?. www.nethistory.info is an award-winning
site that explains the History of the Internet, email, the World Wide Web and
related developments in plain, easy to read language.It hosts a growing
collection of national Internet histories and links to a range of excellent
resources. Let your friends and associates know!
=> WANT TO SPONSOR US?
We'd like to hear from you and work with you to extend the range and
effectiveness of this site. Write to ian.peter@nethistory.info.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This newsletter was brought to you by the Internet History Project, a not for
profit effort dedicated to exploring the various ingredients which came together
to create the Internet Phenomena. For more information, visit
www.nethistory.info.
We welcome your feedback! Drop us a note at mailto:feedback@nethistory.info
*****************************************************************