NYT > Business Day

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Master Switch

Here is a prezi, based on the new book, The Master Switch: 





IMO, the book is an interesting read - and is about information   monopolies/oligopolies over the past century - in telephone, radio, movies, cable and computers - and the men who led them. Fast forward to the internet age: the focus moves toward three dominant firms - Google in information, Apple in products and online content and Facebook in social - and how, sooner rather than later, their "do no evil" play-books would change shape. 

All these demand for what is called - the separation principle - just like we draw lines between the church and the state, news and editorial, investment advisory and investment services -  in information, transport and content if separated, can be a means to prevent potential abuse. Net neutrality, which is a sub-set of this principle has been a topic of discussion and is part of legal policy. My take on this is: we don't want powerful telecom players or internet companies to dictate how we use the internet - be it on wired or wireless devices. Me, as a consumer, would like the internet to be open and a vehicle for choice. 

Net Neutrality rules for wired is a good starting point.




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