Repairing the Internet: Experts Weigh In on Radical Solutions
In a bid to address the internet's numerous problems, including addictive algorithms, data mining, and misinformation, influential figures have proposed radical approaches to fixing it. However, experts question whether these solutions are feasible or even effective.
According to Tim Wu, a prominent Columbia professor and advocate for net neutrality, existing legal mechanisms can be used to dismantle dominant platform companies that have too much concentrated power. In his book "The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity," published in 2025, Wu argues that platforms have shifted from giving to users to extracting from them.
"We've created a system where a few giant companies control our online lives, and it's time to take back control," Wu said in an interview. "Anti-monopoly laws can help us achieve this goal by breaking up these dominant players."
Wu is not alone in his concerns about the internet's current state. Vint Cerf, often referred to as the "father of the internet," has also spoken out about the need for change. In a 2022 interview with The New York Times, Cerf expressed frustration with the internet's evolution, stating that it has become "a mess" due to the proliferation of malicious actors and the spread of misinformation.
Meanwhile, Justin Rosenstein, a former Meta executive, has proposed a more radical solution: creating a decentralized internet. In his book "The Internet is Not What You Think It Is," published in 2020, Rosenstein argues that the current internet architecture is flawed and that a new approach is needed to ensure online freedom and security.
However, not all experts agree with these solutions. Some argue that dismantling dominant platform companies would lead to unintended consequences, such as increased fragmentation of online services and decreased innovation.
"The idea that we can simply break up big tech companies without considering the broader implications is naive," said Sherry Turkle, a MIT professor and expert on technology's impact on society. "We need to think more carefully about how to design a better internet, rather than just trying to tear down what exists."
Despite these differing opinions, one thing is clear: the internet needs repair. With billions of people worldwide relying on it for communication, information, and commerce, any solution must be comprehensive and effective.
As Wu noted, "The internet is not going away anytime soon. We need to work together to create a better future online."
Background: The internet has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1980s. From its early days as a decentralized network of computers to the current era of dominant platform companies, the internet has become increasingly commercialized and centralized.
Additional Perspectives: Some experts argue that the focus should be on educating users about online safety and digital literacy rather than trying to fix the underlying architecture. Others propose a more nuanced approach, one that balances regulation with innovation.
Current Status and Next Developments: Efforts to repair the internet are ongoing, with various initiatives and proposals being put forward by governments, companies, and civil society organizations. As Wu noted, "The conversation is just beginning, and we need to keep pushing for a better future online."
In conclusion, repairing the internet requires a multifaceted approach that considers both technical and social implications. While experts disagree on the best solutions, one thing is clear: the status quo is unacceptable, and it's time for change.
*Reporting by Technologyreview.*
