Ep 11. Rebecca MacKinnon: Let's Take Back the Internet!
Rebecca MacKinnon is a cyber security expert who has dedicated her career to advocating for an open and free internet. In this episode of TED Talks: Cyber Awe, MacKinnon discusses the ways in which the internet has been co-opted by corporations and governments, and why it is essential that we work to take back control.
MacKinnon starts by discussing the history of the internet, and how it was originally designed to be a decentralized network that no one entity could control. However, over time, governments and corporations have gained more and more control over the internet, through measures such as surveillance, censorship, and control of the underlying infrastructure.
MacKinnon argues that this is a dangerous trend, as it leads to a loss of freedom and an ability to speak out against those in power. She highlights the case of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, who was imprisoned for advocating for democracy in China, and whose online communications were closely monitored and censored by the government.
However, MacKinnon is not simply alarmist about the state of the internet. She also discusses the ways in which people around the world are fighting back against this trend towards centralized control. For example, she discusses online communities that have come together to fight censorship, such as the Tor network and the Great Firewall of China.
MacKinnon also argues that it is essential that we all play a role in fighting for a free and open internet. She suggests that everyone can become an "internet activist" by taking steps such as using encryption tools, supporting net neutrality, and speaking out against censorship.
Overall, Rebecca MacKinnon's talk is a compelling and thought-provoking call to action for anyone who is concerned about the future of the internet. Whether you're a business owner, a policymaker, or just an ordinary citizen, there are steps you can take to help ensure that the internet remains a place where freedom and democracy can thrive.