cyrnel

The internet of the '70s ("internet" coined '74) was a very different animal both in capability, traffic, and most importantly, audience. The 'net of today began in the '90's with the critical mass of other digital technology, enabling standards, widespread adoption, and the resulting influx of megabucks. (Bringing the massive group-think MLM scheme knows as "The Bubble" along for the ride.)

Consider the public and commercial adoption ramp '93-'95 to mainstream status by the late 90's. It isn't difficult to see why major regulator/legislator actions on digital rights have happened in the last ~ten years. I emphasize "reactions". The powers that be aren't stellar at proactive decisions unless large interests are involved. They certainly are now.

Sorry, mostly along for the ride here but had to pick this nit. We've come to take so many things for granted that were only geekware 10-15yrs ago.

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There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195