Lawrence Lessig first defined it a decade ago in his groundbreaking book; code is the law of cyberspace.
Code being protocols and architecture.
Just as in the physical world, the law/code defines the structure and rules that in their turn allow or restrict possibilities. Therefore it is vitally important to choose the right law/code to get the best possible society/Internet.
The most vital choices are if something is restricted or free, if something is public/common or privately owned.
The Obama governement understands this apparently.
As Tom Evslin reports, the latest stimulus bill includes money for demonstration projects for smart electricity meters for smart grids.
The catch is in these lines.
“The Secretary shall require as a condition of receiving funding under this subsection that demonstration projects utilize open Internet-based protocols and standards if available.”
And
“The Secretary shall establish and maintain a smart grid information clearinghouse in a timely manner which will make data from smart grid demonstration projects and other sources available to the public. As a condition of receiving financial assistance under this subsection, a utility or other participant in a smart grid demonstration project shall provide such information as the Secretary may require to become available through the smart grid information clearinghouse in the form and within the timeframes as directed by the Secretary.”
As Tom correctly observes, enforcing open protocols instead of allowing walled gardens will create a different universe of possibilities and freedom.
I hope that they can withstand the pressure from Big Energy.
