President Obama gave his 2015 State of the Union address last night. In it, there were a few specific mentions of technology that could provide a look at the direction the country is moving. The technology topics that I noticed receiving nods last night included cyber security and broadband Internet access.
Cybersecurity
The recent Sony hack is still fresh in everyone’s minds and gives an easy example of how corporations are vulnerable to cyber intrusion where sensitive information can be leaked to the Internet and companies can be brought to their knees. President Obama is looking for Congress to pass legislation to address cyber-attacks and identity theft.
Third, we’re looking beyond the issues that have consumed us in the past to shape the coming century.
No foreign nation, no hacker, should be able to shut down our networks, steal our trade secrets, or invade the privacy of American families, especially our kids. We are making sure our government integrates intelligence to combat cyber threats, just as we have done to combat terrorism. And tonight, I urge this Congress to finally pass the legislation we need to better meet the evolving threat of cyber-attacks, combat identity theft, and protect our children’s information. If we don’t act, we’ll leave our nation and our economy vulnerable. If we do, we can continue to protect the technologies that have unleashed untold opportunities for people around the globe.
Broadband access
Increasing the definition of broadband to include faster speeds can encourage companies to invest in the infrastructure to provide faster and more reliable services more affordably. If the country will invest in improving access to broadband Internet access, the digital divide could be decreased and the potential of the Internet can reach millions more.
21st century businesses need 21st century infrastructure – modern ports, stronger bridges, faster trains and the fastest internet.
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I intend to protect a free and open internet, extend its reach to every classroom, and every community, and help folks build the fastest networks, so that the next generation of digital innovators and entrepreneurs have the platform to keep reshaping our world.
The ‘free and open Internet’ is key as net neutrality continues to come up in discussion from legislation and the FCC.
See for yourself
NPR has a full transcript or you may watch the 2015 State of the Union Address on YouTube:
Leading up to last night’s event, the White House has been building momentum also using YouTube recently to discuss specific topics.
Cybersecurity
FACT SHEET: U.S.-United Kingdom Cybersecurity Cooperation
Vice President Biden Announces $25 Million in Funding for Cybersecurity Education at HBCUs
TechAmerica comments on President Obama’s cybersecurity legislative proposal
Affordable High-Speed Broadband for All Americans
FACT SHEET: Broadband That Works: Promoting Competition & Local Choice In Next-Generation Connectivity
The United States Digital Service