The War of the Web and DNA
We all love to use the power websites, such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and the many other frontrunners.
I have one question though. What happens when only huge companies control the internet? I had always felt that the struggle for control of the internet would come from governments. Now, upon reflection, I fear it is the Googles, Facebooks, Microsofts and other internet powers that will regulate and control the internet. I already live in a country where there is little choice for television, phone or power sources. Monopolies rarely react unless it affects its bottom line. Hopefully, people will have the good sense to spread their business and internet browsing around to keep the internet healthy and competitive.
The other concern I have is the mega-powers ability to restrict use or access to their technologies thus effectively controlling the way information can be transmitted. For example: “The Federal Communications Commission has launched an inquiry into why Apple Inc. rejected Google Inc.’s Internet-telephony software for the popular iPhone, another sign of the Obama administration’s stepped-up scrutiny of competitive practices in the technology industry.
In letters sent late Friday to the two companies and AT&T Inc., the FCC asked why Apple rejected the Google Voice application for the iPhone and removed related applications from its App Store. The letter also seeks information on how AT&T, the exclusive U.S. iPhone carrier, was consulted in the decision, if at all.” (from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124908121794098073.html)
On an apparently unrelated subject, DNA testing is coming of age online. My opinion is that it will be huge. I have already come across a couple of sites that will take your saliva and do a DNA test and match you up with someone who is compatitible. How they do this is a mystery to me. It will take a lot of the fun out of trying to meet someone based on good old fashioned attraction. I am not sure exactly how it works so before I rain on anyone’s parade I would like to get more details. However, isn’t genetic diversity the basis of the best we as a species have to offer? Which brings me back to my main point that diversity makes for a strong society and diversity will make for a strong internet. Support the little websites too.
On the other hand, DNA testing can look for genetic risk with regards to genetic markers that indicate risk for adverse health conditions, including Type 1 & 2 Diabetes, breast cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, prostate cancer and many more. One service that I have recently looked into and am doing some trial promotion, is Pathway.com. This site offers Retail DNA Test identifies your risk for disease. If you use Twitter, they are offering a twitter discount of 40% with the Code=TWEETDNA (time limited).
