“Most people look at the internet as magic, they don’t care to acknowledge the actual physical infrastructure that’s moving that data.” These are some strong and powerful words from Isaac Wilder, a social activist-turned-director with his new free documentary “Free the Network” premiering next month on Vice’s Motherboard site.
Isaac Wilder and Charles Wyble are partner directors with a crazy idea. They erected a “Freedom Tower” which is a 9-foot radio tower that provided free Wi-Fi to Occupy activists in Zucotti Park, New York. This is just the start of the Free Network Foundation’s greater visions.
The Vision of a Decentralized Internet
The Free Network Foundation dreams of a global, decentralized network that can’t be shut down by any governing power. The plan will operate by individuals buying internet access and publicly owning and sharing it. This leads to a completely user-owned internet. The idea is to create a resilient and autonomous network that empowers individuals and communities, ensuring that the flow of information remains free and unimpeded.
Imagine a world where the internet is not controlled by a handful of corporations or subject to the whims of governmental censorship. Instead, it is a collective resource, maintained and operated by the people who use it. This vision is not just about technology; it’s about reclaiming the internet as a space for free expression and democratic participation.
Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, the path to such a decentralized network is fraught with challenges. Building and maintaining the necessary infrastructure requires significant resources and technical expertise. Moreover, there are legal and regulatory hurdles to overcome, as governments and corporations may resist efforts to decentralize control over the internet.
However, there are also significant opportunities. Advances in technology, such as mesh networking and blockchain, offer new ways to create decentralized networks. Community-driven initiatives, like the one spearheaded by the Free Network Foundation, can serve as models for others to follow. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of a user-owned internet, these initiatives can inspire broader movements for digital autonomy and freedom.
Isaac Wilder summarizes their goal in a very fitting statement: “Global revolution is when the 99% controls the means of reproduction of information.” This statement encapsulates the radical potential of a decentralized internet. It envisions a world where information is not a commodity controlled by a few, but a shared resource accessible to all.
In conclusion, “Free the Network” is not just a documentary; it’s a call to action. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with the internet and to imagine new possibilities for digital freedom and democracy. As the documentary premieres on Vice’s Motherboard site, it will undoubtedly spark important conversations about the future of the internet and the role of technology in our lives.
Source: The Verge
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