๐WEB2 IS FRAGILE
CENTRALIZATION IN WEB2
Despite the initial intent in the creation of the internet, the web has come under the control of centralized entities. Web2 has ceased to be a censorship free zone and today, both corporations and governments can shut down networks, websites, and individuals.
One of the most well-known cases of Internet censorship is the wholesale blockage of websites in China so that the government authorities are able to control peopleโs access to information.(1) However, this is hardly an isolated case. In August of 2022, the Indonesian government began to require all technology companies to register their websites with the applicable governmental authority and provide access to their systems and data upon request, or have their websites blocked in that country.(2) Many websites, including substantial ones such as Yahoo, PayPal and gaming websites were shut down as a result of this regulation.(3) This type of activity, sometimes called โdigital nationalismโ is chilling for open internet and for businesses. Operation of a website and establishment of a business involves large investments of resources. If people and companies cannot ensure their property rights, including rights to internet properties, they may be unable to justify such investments. This not only puts businesses at risk, but it also causes deterioration in the lifestyle of citizens who depend on these businesses. Protection under the law is fundamental for any type of commerce.
Unfortunately, this behavior is not limited to any particular jurisdiction. More than a decade ago, an investigation into Australian blacklisted sites, meant to prevent only egregious behaviors, turned out to list many sites with no offensive content whatsoever.(4) Without oversight, these blacklists become ominous even in liberal democracies. Today, much of the world, from China to Saudi Arabia to Russia, is simply blocked from free access to information and where businesses can at any time lose their online assets due to regulatory changes.
In other words, although the internet was intended to be a platform where people can freely express themselves, the system has become corrupted to a level where everyone, including (but not only) political opposition, freedom fighters and professional experts are unable to express themselves freely. In fact, most of the worldโs population experiences a censored and controlled internet, one where they cannot be sure that their business investments are secured and where they are blocked from receiving accurate information.
Last updated