The Fight Against Censorship: A Call for a Decentralized Internet
In the age of online safety rules and content moderation concerns, former U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning is sounding the alarm on the dangers of censorship. Speaking at the Web Summit tech conference in Lisbon, Portugal, Manning emphasized the need for a more decentralized internet to protect individuals’ online privacy.
Censorship: A Dominant Threat
Manning believes that censorship is a pervasive issue, with tech giants holding too much power over what information is shared and accessed. “Censorship is about who’s doing the censoring and what the purpose is,” she explained. “It’s also about how algorithms boost certain content, making it more attractive.” To combat this, Manning advocates for a decentralized internet, similar to the early days of the web, but with greater accessibility.
Decentralized Identification: A Solution
One way to ensure online privacy, according to Manning, is through decentralized identification. This approach gives individuals control over their own data, allowing them to make informed decisions about how their information is shared. “Through encryption, you’re able to check the box yourself, instead of relying on a company,” she said.
A Better Social Contract
Manning acknowledges that tech companies need to find ways to monetize their services in a decentralized environment. She suggests establishing a new social contract that outlines how information is shared and accessed. This would require a fundamental shift in how companies operate, prioritizing user privacy and autonomy.
The Evolution of Whistleblowing
As a security consultant at Nym Technologies, Manning has unique insight into the world of online privacy and security. She notes that the environment for whistleblowers has changed dramatically, with information more readily available than ever before. However, this abundance of information also presents a new challenge: sorting through the noise to identify verifiable and authentic information. “It’s no longer secrecy versus transparency,” Manning emphasized. “It’s about understanding what’s real and what’s not.”
A Call to Action
Manning’s message is clear: it’s time to rethink the way we approach online privacy and security. By advocating for a decentralized internet and decentralized identification, we can create a safer, more transparent online environment. As the fight against censorship continues, Manning’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting individual autonomy in the digital age.
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