Prof gives speech on future of Internet, telecommunications

Could the same technology that links people all over the world become a way for Big Brother to monitor private conversations in your home? That might just happen, according to Telecommunications Professor David Farber, a nationally known Internet pioneer who is helping develop the next generation of Internet technology. In an informal speech to about 60 students in Kings Court/English House last Thursday, Farber -- a member of President Clinton's Advisory Committee on Information Technology -- discussed the future of telecommunications and the cultural repercussions of new technology. Farber began the speech by describing himself as a "marriage broker between people and technology." He has been credited with creating and envisioning what many people worldwide have come to take for granted -- the Internet. Currently, Farber, in conjunction with Penn and a handful of other universities, is paving the way for the next era of Internet technology with the Internet II project. Farber said increased system speed and decreased size will affect the efficiency and accessibility of the Internet, leading to a revolution in communications. Colleges and universities would lead the way in reforms in communication. Wireless computers and modems could travel with their users, giving them access to e-mail, databases and all other on-line information, he added. Through technology, Farber portrayed a future world more united by ideas than by economics or geography. Remote surgery could become possible, as could virtual Internet classrooms that involve the efforts of various universities. But this same technology, he explained, could also lead to a decrease in freedom of speech within the household. Governments could conceivably monitor everyday conversations, he said. Also, Farber described the telecommunications industry as rapidly changing and unpredictable. When a student asked what he believed the near future holds, Farber replied, "It's going to be a mess." The speech was one part of a series on technology-related issues. The event was sponsored by King's Court/English house and was supported by the Science and Technology Living-Learning Program. College and Wharton sophomore Kendrick Li, who organized the event, noted that "there is a lot of on-campus interest in this issue, especially since Penn is so technology-oriented." Krimo Bokreta, assistant dean in residence for Kings Court/English House, said Farber "was a logical choice" for a lecture "since he is involved in research on the cutting edge of communication technology."