Posts Tagged ‘Internet’
[PHPForumParis2022] Internet and Geopolitics – Stéphane Bortzmeyer
Stéphane Bortzmeyer, a seasoned expert in Internet infrastructure, delivered a thought-provoking presentation at PHP Forum Paris 2022, exploring the intricate relationship between the Internet and geopolitics. Dedicated to Mahsa Amini, whose tragic death sparked a revolt in Iran, Stéphane’s talk illuminated how global politics shape the Internet’s architecture and accessibility. With a focus on real-world examples, he challenged developers to consider the geopolitical implications of their work, particularly in the context of PHP-driven applications that rely on global connectivity.
The Myth of the Cloud
Stéphane began by debunking the term “cloud,” criticizing it as a marketing ploy that obscures the Internet’s physical and political realities. Far from being a borderless entity, the Internet is deeply tied to national jurisdictions, data centers, and political decisions. He highlighted how regimes, such as Iran’s, manipulate Internet access to suppress dissent, using censorship and throttling to control information flow. For PHP developers, this underscores the importance of designing applications that account for such restrictions, ensuring accessibility and resilience in diverse geopolitical contexts.
Global Connectivity Challenges
Delving into connectivity, Stéphane explained how historical and economic factors create disparities in Internet access. He cited Colombia, where local content is often hosted abroad due to limited domestic infrastructure, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of dependency on foreign connections. This phenomenon, driven by business interests rather than technical necessity, affects latency and accessibility for PHP applications. Stéphane urged developers to advocate for local interconnection and consider hosting strategies that prioritize user experience in underserved regions.
The Role of Regulation and Advocacy
Addressing regulatory responses, Stéphane contrasted Bolivia’s legal mandates for local interconnection with Europe’s reliance on user and government pressure. He emphasized that developers can influence these dynamics by supporting open Internet standards and advocating for equitable access. For PHP developers, this means building applications that are adaptable to varying network conditions and contributing to discussions on infrastructure policies. Stéphane’s insights highlighted the developer’s role in fostering a more inclusive and resilient Internet.
Empowering Developers to Act
Concluding, Stéphane called on developers to engage with the geopolitical aspects of their work, from choosing hosting providers to supporting open standards. By understanding the Internet’s physical and political constraints, PHP developers can create applications that better serve global audiences. His dedication to Mahsa Amini served as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved, inspiring attendees to approach their craft with a broader perspective on its societal impact.