The Internet Con

The Internet Con by Cory Doctorow is a powerful exploration of the deceptive practices of major tech platforms and a rallying call for reclaiming user autonomy in the digital age. Through detailed analysis and compelling arguments, Doctorow exposes the hollow promises of "connection" that companies like Twitter, Facebook, and other Big Tech entities have used to ensnare users within their walled gardens. When these tech giants promised a future of connection, they were, in reality, erecting prison walls that kept us confined within their systems. Designed to be hard to leave, these platforms have created environments where our personal lives and relationships are commodified. The communities, loved ones, and audiences we hold dear are used as leverage to keep us logged in, making the idea of leaving almost unthinkable. Doctorow reveals that this artificial difficulty in staying connected after deleting an account is not due to technological constraints but is a deliberate business strategy. By monopolising the means of communication and interaction, these platforms extract maximum value from users while offering the illusion of safety and security within their digital confines. The Internet Con champions the concept of interoperability as the key to breaking free from these monopolistic strongholds. Interoperability is a strategy to tear down these technological walls, enabling users to leave one platform for another, remix their media, and reconfigure their devices without needing corporate approval. This approach threatens the core of Silicon Valley's power by dismantling the silos that keep users locked in and isolated. Doctorow presents The Internet Con as a crucial disassembly manual for the digital age. This book provides the necessary tools and insights for readers to challenge the dominance of Big Tech. By embracing interoperability, we can reclaim the internet, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and users are genuinely in control of their digital lives. Join Cory Doctorow in this essential guide to understanding and dismantling the manipulative structures of the technosphere. Rediscover the true potential of the internet as a space for genuine connection, creativity, and freedom.