LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Internet Society (ISOC), a non-profit American organization founded by Internet pioneers, released this week the first-of-its-kind Global Internet Report, "Paths to our Digital Future," aimed at exploring the future of the Internet.
"Now is a big moment for the Internet. As we engaged with our community in the development of this report, it became clear that people are anxious about the future of the Internet," said the report, which uncovers a mix of challenges and opportunities in safeguarding the Internet for the next generation and makes recommendations on the steps that can be taken today to realize the Internet's promise for everyone, everywhere.
The Internet has profoundly shaped our world and has changed our lives in both big and small ways. The question is "whether we are ready for what's coming next," the report said.
The 2017 Global Internet Report examines the Internet over the next five to seven years and identifies the factors that will shape its future, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber threats, Internet standards, the Internet of Things (IoT), the Internet economy and the rising role of government.
It also explores how these "drivers of change" will impact key areas including digital divides, personal freedoms and rights, as well as media and society. Taken together, these forces will change the Internet in dramatic ways over the coming years.
As part of ISOC's 25-year anniversary celebration, the 2017 Internet Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held on Monday.
Jianping Wu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, was one of 14 people selected this year for induction to the Hall of Fame, according to a statement released by ISOC on Tuesday.
"China plays a huge role in technology and innovation. So I think in an ideal world, countries like China will participate in the development of solutions," Sally Wentworth, vice president of global policy for ISOC, told Xinhua.
"China should be part of the discussion (of Internet) and we do see that," she said.
"Our extensive research clearly shows that just as when the Internet Society was founded 25 years ago, people believe that the Internet's core values still remain valid -- that it must be global, open, secure, and used for the benefit of people everywhere in the world," Wentworth said in a statement.
ISOC has said its mission is "to promote the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people throughout the world."
