The consent of the connected network - New book on the global fight for Internet freedom

How do we ensure that the Internet evolve in a way that is compatible with democracy? Given the strong push social media to the recent uprisings in the Middle East regions, as well as in other places, how society makes sure that these tools are not used for censorship and government surveillance (often receive only a modest help of Western technology companies)? And finally, how can we stop thinking of ourselves as "users" passive technology, rather than as "netizens" who take ownership and responsibility for our digital future?

These questions set the general framework of debate Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle For Internet Freedom [in] a new book by Rebecca McKinnon, co-founder of Global Voices [in] (and co-author of the bimonthly Netizen Report [in] GV Advocacy).

A comprehensive and timely effort, is also a call to action for every blogger or Twitter user or Facebook, and especially the cyber generally encaren collectively the pressing question of how technology should be governed to support the rights and freedoms of citizens around the world. Through rigorous analysis and a positive tone, the bottom line is getting involved in a contest in which all have the power and ability to influence (even in a small way), only if we try to understand the complex forces at work, and how we contribute to mold them.

The book, divided into five main sections (Disorders; Control 2.0, The Challenges of Democracy, Sovereigns in Cyberspace; What should we do?, Comprises a series of events that occurred during the previous decade and well updated, with parties involved the Arab Spring and the ability to control the Egyptian government, privacy and control in the Western democracies and the emergence of "Facebookistan" and "Googledom." The website for the book provides recent updates, and more resources [in].

The network of Global Voices is mentioned here and there, with quotes and direct references. For example, the preface of the book deals briefly on the inception, growth and role in recent events:

When protests erupted in Tunisia in late 2010 and the demonstrations spread across the Middle East and North Africa in early 2011, Global Voices partners worked around the clock to disseminate information about what was happening, in multiple languages in our own website, in addition to Twitter, Facebook and other platforms of social media.

The first part of the book focuses on the interconnections between technology, society and businesses that have encouraged the development of the Internet to date and, in turn, led to the "digital collections" that include innovative practices, digital activism, and social training. This is an exciting environment, however, opposition is defined as "Control 2.0" opaque and unaccountable how relationships with Internet and telecommunications companies allow authoritarian governments to control and manipulate citizens. "

China is here a primary case study, on which is described in detail a refined system of repression and recent developments to sustain authoritarian control, which, however, allowed, "... high levels of vigorous debates and even controversial and online discussions, within certain limits. "

After describing similar situations (or worse) in countries like Iran, Pakistan and Syria, the focus turns to the Western democracies - which, unfortunately, are in favor of authoritarian regimes to mimic, albeit subtle and insidious. That is, technology companies are setting equally opaque and irresponsible relationships with government agencies, and fail to "take responsibility for their political power over the lives of citizens, or to be diligent in the exercise of that power."

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The different cases discussed here include WikiLeaks claims to the privacy of Facebook, the "Big Apple" from Apple, and Net Neutrality, by the continuing battle between intellectual property vs. freedom of expression and exchange (see global initiative against Soup-PIPA , and the recent ' selective censorship 'announced by Twitter). In addition, issues facing lesser known as a proposal that emerged in 2011 to create a "single European cyberspace" would block "illegal content" to the European borders.

Finally, the last section of the book attempts to answer the question "What should we do?", Suggesting an Internet-centered provomer netizens. This part explores the efforts of some governments, a few companies and a growing number of concerned citizens in confronting threats to freedom in cyberspace through innovative initiatives and movements. The proposals include: enhancing corporate transparency, develop procedures for corporate engagement with users, customers and other stakeholders, and build a more informative environment led by citizens.

Ultimately, this struggle for freedom of the Internet [in] being waged here and now - in the Arab countries in East Asia and even in Western nations. It is a common struggle, and depends on each one of us, as netizens and citizens of the world, check the status of the problem and ensure that the Internet remains an engine of free expression and political freedom - and not a tool for alienation, censorship and repression.

Written by Bernardo Parrella · Translated by Veronica Sabalete · View original post [en] · Comments (0)
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