Cory Doctorow on the early days of the internet

The transcript explores the concept of historical determinism and the adjacent possible, emphasizing how ideas like airplanes have periodically emerged throughout history. It discusses how these ideas become reality when material science and physics catch up. The video also highlights key decisions by the World Wide Web Consortium that shaped web technology, contrasting them with detrimental copyright policies that have led to censorship and security issues.

What does the speaker mean by 'the adjacent possible'?

How does the speaker describe the relationship between ideas and material science?

What were the implications of the World Wide Web Consortium's decision regarding web patents?

What negative outcomes does the speaker associate with the Digital Learning Copyright Act and the European Union Copyright Directive?

In what ways does the speaker suggest that current policies could present dangers to society?