Bringing European values to the Internet of Things
Review of the speech by Neelie Kroes at the 2nd Annual Internet of Things conference, Brussels, 1 June 2010
Bringing European values to the
Internet of Things
An excerpt of the speech follows below. For the whole text please
klick here:
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/rfid/index_en.htm
)
"Ladies and gentlemen, What is the Internet of Things? This is one of many questions I faced when I took on this role. As I have found with many issues relating to the digital world - there is not always a clear-cut answer. Let me share how I see it. In simple terms it is obviously about ubiquitous chips, wireless networks, readers and sensors, connecting (potentially all) objects to the Internet. These connections allow objects, machines and people to gather, exchange, store and process information."
"But for me this description does not capture what we are addressing here today. To me, a relative outsider to such jargon, the Internet of Things is about values and fundamental democratic choices on the future of our society. Being aware that an Internet of Things is emerging is about ensuring our European values are guarded, whilst also ensuring progress and competitiveness. Beyond the technical and physical reality, the Internet of Things is an aspiration. It is an ecosystem of applications which will be key to a truly IT-enabled world. [...]"
"This brings me to the new Digital Agenda for Europe that I proposed last month. Unlike past strategies, this is not simply about telecoms, or IT. It is a comprehensive strategy to help Europe plan for long-term digital success. Like the Internet of Things, this wider Digital Agenda will need broad support to achieve its potential. The Internet of Things is the platform for delivering many of the Agenda's 100 key actions. [...]"
The report of the European Parliament about the Internet of Things of 10 May 2010 is available here.
