The Web, Worldwide

摘要

DESPITE THE NAME, THE WORLD WIDE WEB ... ISN'T. Some 52 percent of the world - roughly 4 billion people, mostly women - don't have access to the open web. This has sparked something like a new space race, featuring satellites, high-altitude balloons, drones, even lasers. The rush of startups and tech companies, including SpaceX, Google and Facebook, make it only a matter of time before most humans are online. The benefits are already clear. Getting online is financially advantageous for folks in low-income regions, especially Africa and Asia, where lack of connectivity is highest. Connectedness also promotes greater participation in politics and society.