I have to agree if you are voting yes please tell us why you would vote yes. Also I don't think there would be a way to have a plan B unless everything a business uses on the internet could be backed up so daily so that if the internet was to be shut down they would atleast have a copy of the information they would need. I would like to hear from someone who voted yes since I can't understand the reasoning behind that decision.
Yes, Bolaji. That's a good question we all need to consider.
Now 11 people have voted "yes" and no comments about their point of view. Behind every opinion there should be a reason, right?
I suppose if no one helps us showing us the light and reason behind the "yes" point of view the only thing we can do is try to create an imaginary situation in which, for X reason, the governments shut down the Internet unexpectedly.
It's one of those beautiful mornings again. We feel energetic and excited about that new project we have been discussing online for the past three days. We are ready to make a decision. Coffee is smelling fresh in the kitchen. We start our laptop and feel it will be a great day for business. We bring our fresh, Arabia coffee to the desk and try to log in to our email account. The Internet is not working. We call our Internet provider. When we finally get through we learn the government has given the order to shut it down. We were not prepared for anything like this. We don't have a plan B.
How does this change our life and businesses life?
Susan, More people have voted "Yes." Do they have a point we are missing? Every issue can be discussed/argued convincingly from polar opposites and this is one of those social subjects that may not have an absolute right or wrong result. While this subject of Internet access may be an academic discussion on EBN, it is a cold reality businesses must factor into their operations. If governments can pull the plug on the Internet for any reasons how should businesses prepare for such an occurrence?
Bolaji, you reminded me of John Lennon's Power to the People. I believe there should exist balance in power to be efficient and serve the whole society and not only the ones in power. With great power comes great responsibility. With responsibility comes respect and order. It's a simple equation that many tend to forget.
...businesses have become so dependent on the Internet that shutting it down -- if a kill switch exist -- will be devastating to global commerce. That's why we hold this type of discussions to raise awareness about such issues. Yes, I agree. The more you think of how everything is interconnected with the Internet and how much we depend on it to perform in business and personal life is scary to think of the possible existence of a kill switch and its consequences in the world.
Exactly, Ariella. Gaining an understanding of a different point of view is what makes a discussion lively and interesting. I pretty much like to hear others' views and perspectives. It broaderns the mind and helps to a better understanding of the others which leads to a better communication.
I was wondering the same thing, Susan. I would love to hear the comments behind that vote -- not to bash them, but just to gain an understanding of that point of view.
There are always elements in any society who believe governments should never abdicate all powers to the people, hence the two "yes" votes here. I believe there are two key issues at stake here. The first is the perception that anyone can muzzle their citizens by imposing strict controls on communication and the second is whether even such crude actions can yield the results desired by those in power. The answers to both questions are obvious.
For our purpose, it would be naive to assume that some powers would not try to impose restrictions on any medium they believe could jeopardize their position. Egypt tried and so did Tunisia. I believe anyone can come up with reasons for restricting access if they so wish. The political implications aside, businesses have become so dependent on the Internet that shutting it down -- if a kill switch exist -- will be devastating to global commerce. That's why we hold this type of discussions to raise awareness about such issues.
People who think the Internet should have an "off" button don't understand the Internet. Or they're control freaks.
Exactly! Until yesterday nobody had voted "yes", now I see two votes. I would be really interested in knowing the reasons why those people believe the government should be able to shut down the Internet braking the right for free press and communication.
I suppose the rules are different if you're living in a country ruled by a dictator of some kind, but the whole "Internet Kill Switch" idea is otherwise ridiculous.
There is really no good viable reason to shut down the Internet in a time of crisis. Why limit the flow of information? In America, at least, this goes against the very principles the country was founded upon.
I really don't understand why this is still is an issue: you can't "control" the Internet. And even if you attempt to, as Egypt did... really, that did not solve any problems whatsoever, possibly made the situation even worse, and cost their economy tens or possibly hundreds of millions of dollars.
People who think the Internet should have an "off" button don't understand the Internet. Or they're control freaks.
That is an excellent question, Bolaji. The thing about being ordered to arms is that there already is a precedent set for it as a situation of war. While such situtaiton also demand that people not reveal some key information, along the lines of "loose lips sink ships," people would regard the tactics of blanket silence as those of the enemies of freedom, not those who claim to uphold it.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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