Robert Metcalfe

Professor of Innovation, University of Texas-Austin

Seminar Full Video: “Pathologies of Connectivity“

Recap ​from the ​CITI/IMMAA seminar held on March 4, 2021.

Synthesis

This session included special guest Bob Metcalf, an engineer and businessman renowned for his contributions to the growth of the internet. The focus of the conversation revolved around the interaction between connectivity and control of the internet, with a special emphasis on the difficulties and pathologies that have developed through time. The differing viewpoints on the development of the internet were one of the discussion’s main highlights. In order to shape the growth of the internet, Bob Metcalf underlined the significance of governance models, policy, and control. He listed several pathologies that have emerged as a result of the growth of the internet, including issues with fake news, pornography, advertising, and security. 

Metcalf talked about the disorders’ historical context, particularly how the Communications Decency Act was passed to address pornography. He also discussed the unforeseen implications of some policies, such as the rise of fake news as a result of asking major tech companies to filter content. The dimensions of connectivity were explored, including aspects like cost, speed, latency, security, reliability, and serendipity. While emphasizing the remarkable advancements in speed and capacity, Metcalf also voiced worries about security risks and the necessity for effective response.

The topic of governmental oversight and localization of the internet was then brought up. Discussions on data localization, surveillance, and digital sovereignty raised concerns about how these policies will affect the growth of connectivity. Invoking Metcalfe’s law, Metcalf stressed the importance of a network being proportional to the square of connected users and the possible loss of utility if the internet becomes divided or fractured.

Another issue that came up was the concentration of power in specific market sectors, particularly in China and the West. The difficulties that huge tech firms face as a result of network effects and economies of scale were discussed, along with the possibility of government intervention and the idea of breaking up firms like Facebook.

Significant areas of concern included the digital divide and the requirement for equitable access. Although a sizeable portion of people have access to the Internet, billions still do not because of infrastructure problems and financial limitations. Achieving equity of access and inclusion was considered essential for realizing the Internet’s full potential. Along with acknowledging the link between the growth of the internet and the decline in severe poverty, it was also noted that underdeveloped areas continue to have difficulties with accessing needs like electricity and water.

The decentralized web project of Tim Berners-Lee, the idea of people owning their own data, and the trade-off between privacy and the free services provided by IT corporations were all explored. It was suggested that new strategies need to be investigated where people might fee for the use of their personal information.

The conversation illuminated the complexity of connectivity and control as well as the changing internet landscape. It underlined the value of dealing with diseases, closing the digital divide, fostering equal access, and investigating cutting-edge governance methods. To create a future internet that meets the interests of all people and communities, continual discussion and cooperative efforts are required in light of the difficulties faced by governmental control, market concentration, and privacy issues.

Takeaways:

1. With its ongoing development, the internet now offers both benefits and difficulties.
2. With the expansion of the internet, pathologies like pornography, advertising, security risks, and fake news have appeared, along with connection characteristics like cost, speed, latency, security, dependability, and serendipity.
3. Government oversight and localization initiatives generate concerns about the effect on connectivity and the possible internet fragmentation.
4. Power concentration in major tech firms and market segments creates problems and sparks debates about potential government involvement.
5. Realizing the potential of the internet and decreasing inequality will require bridging the digital divide and attaining fair access.

Biography

Guest, Bob Metcalfe 

Bob Metcalfe is a renowned American electrical engineer and entrepreneur. He co-invented Ethernet, a widely used computer networking technology. Metcalfe co-founded 3Com Corporation, a pioneering computer networking company, and has made significant contributions to the development of the Internet. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors for his groundbreaking work in the field of computer networking.

Facilitator, Eli Noam

At the Columbia Business School, where he established the Columbia Institute for Tele-Information (CITI), Eli Noam is a well-known economist, lecturer, and telecommunications specialist. Analysis of the economic and social facets of the media and technology industries is Noam’s area of expertise.

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About

This seminar summary was written by Ishmael Bonsu Nyame, a student at Northwestern University in Qatar.

The Columbia Institute for Tele-Information (CITI), in partnership with the International Media Management Academic Association (IMMAA), holds a monthly seminar program focused on strategy, management, and policy issues in telecommunications, computing, and electronic mass media. The seminars feature a presentation from an invited speaker and then opens up to Q&A and discussion from the audience. You can see other CITI/IMMAA seminar recaps at the IMMAA website  here.