The Master Switch

The Rise and Fall of Information Empires

From the world’s preeminent historian of technology comes the story of the battle raging between apple and google over the soul of the Internet. With their conflicting vision of information democracy versus corporate autocracy, it is a titanic clash; only one brand will survive, and that brand will shape our future.

'The Master Switch is brilliant... a must read for those who want to know more about the future of the Internet' Josh Silverman, CEO, Skype
 
‘A masterpiece.’ Lawrence Lessig, Professor of law, Harvard University

 ‘An explosive history that makes it clear how the information business became what it is today. Important reading.’ Chris Anderson, author of  “THE LONG TAIL”

The Internet Age: an era of unprecedented freedom in both communication and culture. However each major new medium, from telephone to satellite television, has crested a wave of similar idealistic optimism, before succumbing to the inevitable undertow of industrial consolidation. Every once free and open technology has, in time, become centralized and closed; a huge corporate power taking control of the 'master switch.' Today, as a similar struggle looms over the Internet, increasingly the pipeline of all other media, the stakes have never been higher.

Part industrial expose, part meditation on the nature of freedom of expression, The Master Switch brings to light a crucial drama - rife with indelible characters - played out over decades in the shadows of global communication.

"A must read for all who want to remain the ones deciding what they can read, watch or listed to" - Arianna Huffington, Founder, Huffington Post