Posts Tagged ‘DigitalRights’
[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.