Watson speaks about the implications technology has on personal privacy, especially as focused on centralized computer data. He argues that the centralization of data is key to information and progress, whether as a library, a computer, or health information to help spot disease trends. While he recognizes that needed efficiencies are dependent upon this information and technology boom, he believes there needs to be safeguards within the system to protect privacy. He argues technologies will press the question of the relationship between man and the rest of society.

Before the bulk of his talk, he briefly outlines why IBM created a presence in San Jose despite their main offices being in New York.