Elon University

Unlocking the Internet

Things like security, that should fall outside the realm of competition, are things that are becoming the basis for competition … I prefer one security standard. Some combination of Netscape Communications Corp. and Microsoft could best pull that off.

Transaction Taxes Seen for Info Superhighway: HP Laboratories’ Europe Research Director Sees Focus on Economic Issues

Because machines holding data are widely networked, and owned and operated by many different organizations, it will not be possible for an individual to inspect all the data held in computers about him or her … Current data-protection legislation is a relic of the old mainframe era … It’s not a case of governments taking control. Broadcasting is centralized and amenable to that. But the networks are interactive and put tremendous processing and computer power at every node. You can’t keep the lid on that.

Transaction Taxes Seen for Info Superhighway: HP Laboratories’ Europe Research Director Sees Focus on Economic Issues

Information networks allow for electronic distribution and production at the point of use. That is going to reduce retail distribution. Long-term, the potential of information networks will be to reduce the provision of physical goods and services … Most European countries have huge budget deficits and aging populations. Governments need to continue to raise revenues. It’s inconceivable it [the information network] will remain immune from providing a tax base.

Bill Gates, Evangelist: Q & A

Almost every market you can conceive of will work far more efficiently because it will be mediated electronically. You are talking about something that is very fundamental.