Nearly one-and-a-half thousand tech industry experts, scholars, and other analysts underwent a survey for Net Threats, part of Pew’s Digital Life in 2025 series.
The frightening predictions for the future of the internet reveal computer experts's concerns about the direction of the world wide web. They identified several evolving threats to civil liberties online, including an increase of state crackdowns on unapproved websites and government spies snooping into web surfers’ lives. Add to that, the commercialization of the web.
The Pew Research Center quizzed the experts on whether or not people will be more or less able to freely share information online in a decade.
While most said the web of the future would be more open, many feared that the open structure which made the net so powerful would be seriously under threat. Governments worldwide are looking for more power over the net, especially within their own countries to crack down on subversive activity, terrorists, pedophiles etc.
A couple of years ago, I wrote a draft of a novel set in 2027. Citizens wear a 'handie' which has internet access and is regulated by the government. Consequently, there is no crime. Instead of drinking alcohol, youngsters go to the local bar for a nice concoction of herbs, companionship, and dancing.
How do you see the future ten years from now?