Fixing the Web, by Jeffrey Veen

Fixing the Web

The editors of xhtml.com recently invited me to participate in a series they're running titled Fixing the Web. In particular, they asked, "In your opinion, what parts of the Web need to be improved or fixed in order for the Web of today to evolve into the Web of the future?" Here's how I replied:

I wish every device that was capable of talking to the network could send its geolocation. I'd like this to be fundamental—let's send longitude and latitude in the HTTP header of every request. Let's make it as ubiquitous and accessible as the time stamp, user agent, and referring URL.
When location is assumed, we can go beyond the obvious applications of a geo-aware Web. Yes, the map application will be able to center on you when you launch it. But what else becomes possible when email knows where you were when you sent it, or a social app knows the proximity of your friends? We can't even begin to imagine what will emerge.

But what about the security and privacy implications? We've been dealing with them since the first Web sites launched. Issues with cookies, cross site scripting, and search query logs have given us precedent for enhancing rather than exploiting personal data. Giving users control of their location can learn from the same paths.

There are hurdles, to be sure. Hardware manufactures still believe access to location data should be a business opportunity, much like software companies once believed proprietary file formats would protect their bottom line.

That's a shame. The Web grew to prominence providing the "what" and knowing the "who." Let's add the "where" and see what happens next.

This entry was written by Jeffrey Veen and posted 7 August 2007 at 11:17 AM. It was filed under Technology, Web Design.

Comments

1. On 7 August 2007 at 2:40 PM Daniel J. Wilson wrote:

Good idea, assuming all traffic is encrypted. Bring on IPv6.

2. On 7 August 2007 at 3:58 PM Otis wrote:

So what % of devices would you say do that now, assuming you count IP lookups as geo locations?

3. On 8 August 2007 at 5:30 AM KG wrote:

Can you explain more about the reason / need or what this information would be used for or the good of this information?

4. On 8 August 2007 at 11:13 AM James wrote:

The web is anonymous. What you're asking for would completely change that. Many people like the web because of that fundamental flaw, it gives them a feeling of security. The only way this idea would work is if the user had the option of giving out their location.

5. On 10 August 2007 at 7:53 AM dc crowley wrote:

If I know your name, why not your place? You can always leave it out (opt in/ opt out). The usefulness is enormous. I love this idea

6. On 10 August 2007 at 8:12 AM Kris wrote:

I'd like to propose another HTTP header: the "why". Now that would be interesting, expecially if devices can determine it by themselves.

Of course I am kidding. B-)

7. On 13 August 2007 at 2:22 PM Julian Bond wrote:

Here's a thought. How do we make "Where am I now" as easy to post as "What am I doing now"? Everyone has a Twitter clone broadcasting your status. There's been attempts at broadcasting your location but they don't quite hit the spot the way Twitter does.

From the gratuitous self promotion desk, here's a start. http://twitterwhere.com

Now why doesn't your phone, PC, Camera know where it is? (mostly).

8. On 14 August 2007 at 7:39 AM Carl Burnett wrote:

You cannot find what you are looking for until you know its location. Findability in the real world and the virtual world is about the semantics of the object or entity you seek.

This goes for information and knowledge. Context is vital. As more and more information become "visual" the semantics of location and its context will matter most.

9. On 16 August 2007 at 8:33 AM Alberto Escarlate wrote:

Did you get that idea from William Gibson's new novel?

10. On 12 September 2007 at 7:37 AM Bruce Prochnau wrote:

It isn't hard to use google api, geocoder.ca, geocoder.us etc to get an xml file with lat, longitude. Add where wanted like blog/site posts meta tags, rss feeds etc...

Privacy? ok, add location, "within 50 miles of..."

11. On 30 October 2007 at 9:09 PM Tim Carlin wrote:

How about focusing on something a little closer to home? For example, the user experience between Google Apps and Google is comical, dare I say, almost as if you contracted MS to provide the software. Why in the world would you have a link to the Google GMail from "within" the Google Apps GMail (two clicks)? There is absolutely no differentiator to the user that they are being volleyed around "Google" as they pass from one product development silo to the next. While trying not to vent you just might try some of your own "dog food."