The latest in open source: the projects that still keep the free web alive as we dreamed it

Open-source projects like Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap are vital in preserving the free and open nature of the internet, contrasting with the dominance of large, data-driven platforms. These projects offer alternatives to the commercialized web, focusing on shared knowledge and information rather than user data and targeted advertising. This shift highlights a pushback against the trend of a few platforms controlling user attention and data. These alternative projects, such as Wikipedia and the Internet Archive, operate without relying on advertising or selling user data. They trace their roots back to the early days of the internet, built on open standards like HTML and HTTP, and hosted on servers often managed by universities and institutions. These projects provide services, ensuring information is accessible to anyone with an internet connection. The impact of these initiatives is significant, as they promote an alternative vision of the internet where information is a shared resource, contrasting with the data-driven models of many major platforms. By prioritizing open access and collaboration, they offer users an alternative, impacting how users consume and interact with information online. This offers an alternative that pushes back against the trend of a few platforms controlling user attention and data. As the digital landscape evolves, the presence of these open-source projects underscores a continued relevance. The development of these projects shows a commitment to fostering digital spaces that prioritize user privacy and open access to knowledge, potentially influencing future digital policy.