Science Cafe: Why the current internet sucks
A recent discussion hosted by EDRI, featuring media scholars Lucie Chateau and Michael Stevenson, and legal scholar Catalina Goanta, highlighted critical concerns regarding the current state of the internet. The event, titled "Science Cafe: Why the current internet sucks," delved into how the dominance of large technology corporations has fundamentally altered the online landscape, raising questions about its future accessibility and user experience. The scholars argued that the consolidation of power within a few "Big Tech" entities has led to a significant degradation of the internet's original open and decentralized nature. This concentration of influence, they suggested, directly impacts the diversity of services and the freedom of expression available online, with potential long-term consequences for innovation and user autonomy. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, affecting how individuals and businesses interact online, access information, and utilize digital services. This discussion underscores a growing sentiment within Europe advocating for greater digital sovereignty and a more equitable digital environment, potentially influencing future policy debates and the development of alternative platforms.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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Pixelfed is a decentralized, open-source social media platform for sharing images. Users can upload and share photos, follow other users, and interact through likes, comments, and shares. Utilizing the ActivityPub protocol, Pixelfed allows for federation, enabling users to interact with individuals on other compatible platforms. It is designed for photographers and anyone seeking a privacy-focused, community-driven alternative to centralized image-sharing services.
Element (Matrix)
Element is a secure, decentralized communication platform built on the Matrix protocol. It allows users to send end-to-end encrypted messages, share files, and participate in group chats. Key features include voice and video calls, bridging with other communication platforms like Slack and Discord, and the ability to host your own server for enhanced privacy and control. Element is suitable for individuals, teams, and organizations seeking secure and private communication, and is particularly beneficial for those who value data sovereignty and open-source solutions.
CryptPad
CryptPad is an end-to-end encrypted online office suite offering collaborative document creation and editing. It provides functionalities similar to other office suites, including text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and code editors, all with a priority on user privacy. Unique features include its zero-knowledge architecture, which prevents the server from accessing user data, and its open-source nature, which allows for independent audits and community contributions. This makes it suitable for individuals and teams seeking secure and private online collaboration, especially those who prioritize data confidentiality.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a digital audio distribution platform where users can upload, promote, and share their original music and audio. Key features include music streaming, direct messaging, commenting, and the ability to follow artists and playlists. This platform is primarily used by independent musicians, DJs, and podcasters to share their work, connect with listeners, and build an audience. SoundCloud offers a vast library of user-generated content, providing access to a wide range of music and audio not always available on other streaming services.