Posts Tagged ‘CoryDoctorow’
[DefCon32] DEF CON 32: Disenshittify or Die! How Hackers Can Seize the Means of Computation
Cory Doctorow, a renowned author and digital rights advocate, delivered a passionate keynote at DEF CON 32, dissecting the decline of the internet and rallying hackers to reclaim its potential. Introducing the concept of “enshittification”—the degradation of online platforms due to unchecked corporate greed—Cory argued that restoring competition, regulation, interoperability, and tech worker power is essential for a new, user-centric internet. His call to action, rooted in decades of activism, inspired attendees to fight for technological self-determination.
Understanding Enshittification’s Roots
Cory began by lamenting the loss of the “old, good internet,” where Google delivered reliable search results, and platforms like Facebook prioritized user preferences. He attributed the rise of the “enshitternet” to corporate decisions prioritizing growth over security, such as data sharing with agencies like the NSA. Drawing on his work with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Cory explained how the absence of competitive pressures, regulatory oversight, and worker advocacy allowed executives to degrade services, locking users into walled gardens that prioritize profits over functionality.
The Mechanics of Platform Decay
Delving deeper, Cory outlined the enshittification process: platforms initially attract users with quality services, then exploit them through data harvesting and degraded experiences, as seen in Amazon’s proliferation of low-quality drop-shipped products or Uber’s shift to higher fares and lower driver pay. He highlighted how tech giants leverage monopolistic control to stifle innovation, citing Apple’s pivot from privacy advocacy to surveillance-friendly practices. Cory’s analysis underscored the systemic nature of these changes, driven by executives exploiting unchecked power within corporate structures.
Empowering Hackers for Change
Cory urged the DEF CON community to lead the charge against enshittification by leveraging their technical expertise. He advocated for interoperability—enabling users to move seamlessly between platforms—and supported regulatory measures to curb monopolistic practices. Referencing his blog, Cory encouraged hackers to develop open-source alternatives and challenge proprietary systems. He emphasized the role of tech workers, citing the Tech Workers Coalition as a model for organizing to restore user-focused innovation.
Building a New Digital Future
Concluding, Cory envisioned a revitalized internet combining the simplicity of Web 2.0 with the decentralized ethos of the early web. He called for a “digital nervous system” to address global challenges like fascism, climate change, and inequality, urging hackers to reject the narrative that user experience and enshittification are inseparable. His post-talk book signing at the vendor area invited attendees to engage directly, fostering a collaborative push for a freer, more equitable digital landscape.
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[DefCon32] How to Keep IoT From Becoming An IoTrash
The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices promises connectivity but risks creating a digital wasteland of abandoned, vulnerable gadgets. Paul Roberts, Chris Wysopal, Cory Doctorow, Tarah Wheeler, and Dennis Giese, a distinguished panel from Secure Resilient Future Foundation, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Veracode, Red Queen Dynamics, and DontVacuum.me, respectively, address this crisis. Their discussion, rooted in cybersecurity and policy expertise, explores solutions to prevent IoT devices from becoming e-waste, advocating for transparency, ownership, and resilience.
The Growing Threat of Abandonware
Paul opens by highlighting the scale of the issue: end-of-life devices, from routers to medical equipment, are abandoned by manufacturers, leaving them susceptible to exploitation. Black Lotus Labs’ discovery of 40,000 compromised SOHO routers in the “Faceless” botnet underscores this danger. Cory introduces the concept of “enshittification,” where platforms and devices degrade as manufacturers prioritize profits over longevity, citing Spotify’s Car Thing, bricked without refunds after brief market presence.
Policy and Right-to-Repair Solutions
Tarah and Chris advocate for legislative reforms, such as updating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), to grant consumers repair rights. Google’s extension of Chromebook support to ten years saved millions in e-waste, a model Tarah suggests for broader adoption. Chris emphasizes that unmaintained devices fuel botnets, threatening critical infrastructure. Policy changes, including antitrust enforcement to curb monopolistic practices, could compel manufacturers to prioritize device longevity and security.
Cybersecurity Implications and Community Action
Dennis, known for reverse-engineering vacuum robots, stresses the cybersecurity risks of abandoned devices. Malicious actors exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, conscripting devices into botnets. He calls for community-driven efforts to document and secure IoT systems. Paul, through the Secure Resilient Future Foundation, encourages grassroots advocacy, such as contacting local representatives to support repair-friendly legislation, making it easier for individuals to contribute without navigating complex policy landscapes.
Redefining Ownership and Sustainability
Cory argues for redefining ownership in the IoT era, criticizing practices like Adobe’s Creative Cloud, where Pantone’s licensing dispute threatened to render designers’ work unusable. By designing devices to resist forced downgrades, manufacturers can empower users to maintain control. The panel collectively urges a shift toward sustainable design, where devices remain functional through community-driven updates, reducing e-waste and enhancing digital resilience.