The Ubiquitous Information Environment: Opportunities and Challenges

Our society is moving towards a ubiquitous computing and information environment. But what are the implications of this movement? This session will explore the coming ubiquitous information environment by looking at:
  • the characteristics of the technological evolutions -- ubiquitous, embedded, decentralized, complex
  • their deployments -- locational technologies, ingestibles, biometrics, XML, wireless, broadband, etc.
  • the possibilities they permit -- "always on," access to information, mobility, remote activity, surveillance, credentialling, authentication
  • the possible personal and societal impacts -- privacy, security, the surveillance society, civil liberties, academic freedoms, freedom of expression rights, etc.

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