We need the ability to trust that the technologies of tomorrow will be even better than today.
Despite enormous gains, we’ve only seen a fraction of what the digital revolution has yet to deliver. Already, the Internet has brought untold advances that have fundamentally changed the way we work, learn, and live. And just over the horizon, amazing new advances in 5G and 6G, artificial intelligence, mobile devices, wearable technology, cloud computing, quantum computing, and internet connected devices are converging and has put us on the cusp of a new technological transformation with the potential to impact each of our lives in positive and profound ways. But lack of trust is emerging as one of the most critical gating factors with the potential to dramatically affect the speed at which future technologies are adopted, and corresponding benefits achieved.
For example, by one measure, our mobile 5G future could add $1.5 trillion to U.S. GDP, help create 16 million jobs, and enable people to do things never before possible. But a lack of trust could slow the rollout of this next mobile revolution as 60% of those surveyed expressed fears that 5G could make more personal data vulnerable to hacking.
Building a foundational layer of trust into our technological future is also a prerequisite for unlocking our ability to harness innovation for a more equitable economy and solving key societal challenges.
Experts say new innovations just emerging on the horizon have the potential to dramatically improve health outcomes for millions, radically improve energy efficiency to help meet climate goals, revolutionize education, and help millions attain personal financial security. And when done in trusted ways, these opportunities can also reach across economic and social divides and help individuals and communities that have been neglected, oppressed, or discriminated against leap forward into a more equitable, prosperous, and healthy future. It means that in a trusted future, the next life-changing breakthroughs are not simply connecting new kinds of devices to the internet, but rather connecting people to new kinds of opportunities.