Sept. 23 Des Moines event explores privacy, economic, and social implications
Monday, September 8, 2014
Written by: Mary Geraghty Kenyon

In less than 20 years, the Internet has become an integral and indispensable part of our daily lives. So what does the future hold?

Dan Reed
Dan Reed

University of Iowa Vice President for Research and Economic Development Dan Reed invites a Des Moines audience to join him to explore that question in a presentation titled “The Internet: Past, Present and Future” at noon Tuesday, Sept. 23 in the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center, 1200 Grand Ave.

The event continues the popular Hawkeye Lunch and Learn series, which has been drawing capacity crowds to the center monthly. Guests are invited to bring their lunches—desserts and drinks will be provided. The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. RSVP online

Reed will discuss the technical and political history of the Internet, current issues surrounding global Internet governance, the future of the Internet and global communications, and the social and economic implications for the State of Iowa.

“The Internet has become an integral and indispensable part of our daily lives,” Reed says, “redefining social interactions, government and social services, research and education, and business and electronic commerce. But along with these undeniable benefits come new social, ethical, and legal questions about privacy and the global flow of information, international law and human rights, economic development and global competition.”

The Hawkeye Lunch and Learn series offers monthly events in Des Moines and Iowa City designed to connect Iowa communities, university faculty, and government and industry leaders. The Provost’s Office of Outreach and Engagement sponsors the series. Upcoming events in Des Moines include:

  • Oct. 28: University Librarian John Culshaw, “Embracing the Future and Preserving the Past:The 21st Century Research Library”
  • Nov. 20: UI President Sally Mason

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the Office of the Provost in advance at 319-335-3565.