The Threat to the Open Internet

I am reading a fascinating book right now called The Master Switch : The Rise and Fall of  Information Empires by Tim Wu.  The premise of the book is that information empires (the telephone, film, and TV) all undergo a very similar lifecycle as they mature.

They start out as open platforms with the introduction of the new disruptive medium.  Gradually, corporate giants move into the space and take control of the space, reducing innovation and establishing monopolies.  These corporations take virtual land in the name of the best interests of the consumer and knowing what is best, while working with the government to establish laws that help to protect their positions.

Wu makes a really good case for the Internet as just another in the long line of information revolutions following the same pattern.

I read two articles in the past week that lead me to believe he is absolutely right about where the Internet is heading.  The first is Facebook’s support for the latest US government bill regarding internet privacy.  With hundreds of millions of users, Facebook is in a position of tremendous influence.  Note the language used by Facebook’s lead counsel in defending their position:

Importantly, HR 3523 would impose no new obligations on us to share data with anyone –- and ensures that if we do share data about specific cyber threats, we are able to continue to safeguard our users’ private information, just as we do today.”

Loosely translated, we are looking out for our users. Can’t you see?  Facebook’s support of this bill is, in most people’s opinion, an affront to the what the Internet stands for.

The second article was an interview with Sergey Brin of Google.  In it Brin warns of the growing storm clouds surrounding the Internet as an open platform.  While Brin no doubt has an axe to grind against Facebook and Apple, I like that he is speaking out about what he is seeing.  One could argue that Google belongs in the list of companies that are a threat to the open Internet, but I don’t see Tim Cook or Mark Zuckerberg taking public positions like Brin does here.

I highly recommend that you get Wu’s book and use it as a lens through which to view what’s happening right now with the Internet giants.