The Transformation of the Internet

The internet, an essential service that has become an integral part of our lives, is facing a myriad of problems. From surveillance and censorship to misinformation and scams, these issues have become increasingly important as our reliance on the internet grows. Despite the public's outcry and calls for change, it seems that little is being done to address these concerns. In this blog, we will delve into the script of a thought-provoking video titled "(1773) How Capitalism Destroyed The Internet - YouTube" and explore the impact of capitalism on the internet.

The video highlights how the internet, as we know it today, traces its roots back to a government institution called ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency). Created in response to the Soviet Union's successful launch of Sputnik, ARPA aimed to showcase the superiority of capitalism by involving the government in technological advancements. This led to the development of ARPA's public computer network, Arpanet, which laid the foundation for the internet.

One crucial consequence of the internet's government-backed origins was its existence itself. The private sector had little interest in investing in a project as expensive and time-consuming as the internet. It was the public sector that shouldered the responsibility and invested in its development. Collaboration and open-source principles guided the creation of the internet, with shared universal protocols and the requirement for contractors to share their work. This ensured compatibility and accessibility from the outset.

However, as the internet grew in popularity, the landscape began to change. In the mid-1990s, the privatization of the internet's infrastructure took place, driven by a false dichotomy presented by the American government. The choice was framed as either limiting the internet to a research-based network or embracing privatization to meet increasing demands. The latter prevailed, leading to the consolidation of power in the hands of profit-seeking entities.

Internet service providers (ISPs) became major players, and a select few, such as Comcast, Charter, Verizon, and AT&T, now dominate the market, providing 76% of internet subscriptions. The privatization of infrastructure led to a shift in the digital space as well. Websites emerged during the dot-com bubble, but survival meant finding ways to monetize activities. The "online mall" model emerged, where websites rented out space or collected and sold users' digital footprints, emphasizing profit over public interest.

With the profit-driven nature of the internet, decision-making power became concentrated among the wealthy and powerful. Unelected CEOs and boards of directors now dictate website moderation and functionality, often with a conservative and pro-capitalist bias. The influence of wealthy individuals extends beyond individual websites and affects the broader online landscape. Censorship and content moderation become tools for those in power to shape the internet according to their interests.

To address these issues, regulatory measures and breaking up big tech are necessary, but they are not enough. The blog suggests exploring alternative models, such as publicly managed networks and nationalization of internet infrastructure. Examples like Chattanooga, Tennessee, showcase the success of locally managed networks, offering faster and more affordable internet services. Treating internet infrastructure as a common public service, akin to water and electricity, would allow democratic decision-making regarding its development and usage.

In terms of imagery for the blog, a fitting image could be a depiction of interconnected network nodes symbolizing the collaborative and open-source origins of the internet. This image would visually represent the ideas discussed in the blog and resonate with readers.

In conclusion, the impact of capitalism on the internet cannot be ignored. From its humble beginnings as a government project, the internet has undergone a transformation driven by profit-seeking motives. Concentration of power, biases, and exploitation by big tech companies have become prevalent.

To ensure a more democratic and inclusive internet, regulatory measures are necessary, but exploring alternative models that prioritize public interest over profit is equally important. Only through collective efforts can we reshape the internet and create a digital landscape that truly serves the needs of all users. Let us strive for an internet that fosters innovation, protects privacy, promotes equality, and empowers individuals to connect and share knowledge freely. The future of the internet depends on our actions today.