Digital Commons

Reclaiming Our Digital Future

The internet was built as a commons—a shared space for human connection and knowledge. But it's been enclosed by corporate interests that extract our data, attention, and agency for profit. It's time to reclaim our digital spaces and build technology that serves humanity, not shareholders.

Platform Transformation

Current: Extractive Ad-Based Model

You use the platform "for free"
→ Your attention & data are the product
Platform harvests your behavior
→ Algorithms manipulate your choices
Data sold to advertisers
→ Shareholders profit, users are exploited
Platform controls all decisions
→ Users have no say in how it works

Future: User-Owned Platforms

You co-own the platform
→ You have a voice in how it operates
Your data stays private by default
→ No surveillance or manipulation
Community votes on features & policies
→ Platform evolves to serve users
No ads = authentic connections
→ Human connection over engagement

AI Governance Transformation

Current: Centralized AI Monopolies

Tech CEOs
Decide AI's future for humanity
Corporate Shareholders
Profit from AI development
Engineers & Researchers
Build AI under corporate direction
8 Billion People
Subject to AI decisions they didn't make
Result: AI serves profit maximization, may conflict with human welfare, democratic values, and ecological health.

Future: Democratically Governed Open AI

Global Council
Represents diverse communities worldwide
Open Source Community
Transparent development & auditing
Ethics & Safety Boards
Ensure AI serves human flourishing
Local Communities
Choose how AI impacts their lives
Result: AI development aligned with human rights, environmental sustainability, and democratic participation. Celebrate plurality and not optimisation.

Benefits of Digital Commons

True Privacy

Your data isn't harvested for profit. Privacy by design, not privacy theater.

Democratic Control

Users vote on platform changes, moderation policies, and feature development.

No Manipulation

No algorithmic manipulation designed to maximize engagement and ad revenue.

Global Access

Internet as a public utility means everyone has equal access to information.

Innovation for Good

Technology development focused on human flourishing, not profit extraction.

Authentic Connection

Without ads and engagement algorithms, online spaces foster genuine human connection.

The internet was supposed to democratize information and connect humanity.

Instead, it's been turned into a surveillance and manipulation machine that extracts wealth from human attention and relationships. But this isn't inevitable—it's a choice. We can build digital spaces that serve us, not exploit us.
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