A foremost digital expert looks at the most powerful political tool ever created-the internet of things. Will it be like the internet of surveillance and censorship we have now, or will it be something better?

Philip N. Howard is a professor and author of seven books, including Democracy's Fourth Wave? and The Digital Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy. He is a frequent commentator on the impact of technology on political life, contributing to Slate.com, TheAtlantic.com and other media outlets.