The Unfinished Work of the Internet

Abstract

Vinton Cerf is internationally recognized as “an Internet pioneer”—one of the “fathers of the Internet”—regarding his work with Bob Kahn in co-inventing Internet protocol (TCP/IP). David Bray is Executive Director for the People-Centered Internet Coalition and a champion of positive “change agents” in turbulent environments. For this concluding chapter, we asked Vinton Cerf and David Bray to provide a future-focused perspective on the Internet’s role in shaping media and information. Arguably, over the past twenty years, there has been no greater development shaping global information technology, policy, and practices than the rise of the Internet and related communication technologies such as the Web, social media, and mobile Internet. Looking to the future, will the Internet play as central a role? Their answer is yes, noting that much work remains to be done if the Internet is to remain an uplifting force for both individuals and communities.