Internet’s Next Frontier — Building a People-Centered, Inclusive, Resilient Web | DisrupTV Ep. 87
In DisrupTV Episode 87, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar sit down with Internet pioneer Vint Cerf (Google’s Chief Internet Evangelist, co-designer of TCP/IP), Dr. David Bray (Executive Director at People-Centered Internet, Visiting Executive at Harvard), Mei Lin Fung (Co-founder of People-Centered Internet), and Teresa Booher (Public Servant & Change Agent). The discussion centers on the People-Centered Internet initiative, the societal impacts of connectivity, the ethical and operational challenges in making the Internet serve everyone—especially historically underserved communities—and what responsibilities technologists, policymakers, and citizens have to preserve privacy, trust, and openness.
Key Takeaways
People-Centered Internet (PCI) as a framework
The episode emphasizes that simply building more Internet is not enough: what matters is how it is built and for whom. The PCI initiative is about ensuring the Internet is inclusive, ethical, and oriented toward human welfare, not just economic or technical growth.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Much of the conversation focuses on access issues: connectivity gaps, infrastructure, affordability, and also how digital divides are not just about technology but social, economic, regulatory, and educational barriers.
Openness, Protocols & Governance
Vint Cerf and David Bray discuss the significance of open protocols, interoperability, and avoiding fragmentation (multiple internets or “walled gardens”). They point out that preserving openness and shared standards is essential to maintain an Internet that works for everyone.
Digital Responsibility, Trust & Privacy
The group acknowledges that as Internet capacity, usage, and integration deepen (IoT, interplanetary networking, etc.), issues of trust, privacy, security, and ethical governance become more central. It’s not enough to have connectivity; people need confidence that their rights, data, and agency are preserved.
Experimentation, Local Priorities & Change Agents
Teresa Booher and Mei Lin Fung emphasize that change does not only come from global tech or policy leaders; it also requires local experimentations, community engagement, and agents of change who understand local contexts. The Internet must adapt not just to technology trends, but to local values, culture, needs.
Final Thoughts
- The future of the Internet must be human-first: not only advancing connectivity, bandwidth, and technical capabilities, but ensuring every design choice respects human agency, dignity, privacy, and context.
- Openness in protocols, interoperability, and transparent governance are not just ideals—they are necessary guardrails to prevent fragmentation, misuse, or the concentration of power in ways that marginalize communities.
- Local, grassroots change and experimentation are key. Top-down mandates help, but meaningful change comes when communities participate in building their digital future.
- Trust is the foundation: without it, even the best technologies falter. Maintaining digital trust (in privacy, fairness, safety) is vital as we push toward more integrated, ubiquitous, and possibly interplanetary networking.
Related Episodes
- DisrupTV Ep. 89 – Decision Intelligence in the Enterprise: Frederic Laluyaux, Chris Bradley & Doug Henschen — focuses on how data & AI drive decisions at scale.
- DisrupTV Ep. 90 – AI & Hybrid Work with Brian Fanzo & Dion Hinchcliffe — explores how organizations adapt to modern work and leverage AI ethically.
- DisrupTV Ep. 88 – Sustainability, Tech & Transformation with Heather Clancy, Jon Reed & Larry Dignan — discusses ESG, sustainability as core business strategy, and technology’s role in responsible transformation.
