Web Pioneer Tim Berners-Lee's Australian Mission to Reclaim the Internet's Soul
Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the British computer scientist who invented the world wide web in 1989, is currently in Australia to promote his book and reflect on how to restore power to users. His visit comes at a critical juncture as he engages in what he describes as a "battle for the soul of the web", aiming to address the commercialisation and toxicity that have marred his original vision.
The Original Vision Versus Today's Reality
When Berners-Lee created the web, he envisioned a free, democratic tool for humanity, accessible to all and filled with diverse content. Today, however, his invention is used by approximately 5.5 billion people worldwide, yet it has strayed far from its intended purpose. In Australia to discuss his book, This is for Everyone, he is focusing on how to empower users and combat the negative forces that have emerged.
Berners-Lee recalls the early years of the web with "uncontainable" excitement, but now, nearly four decades later, he is leading a rebellion with activists and developers. He asserts, "We can fix the internet ... It's not too late", emphasising that technology is not neutral and that design choices can explicitly promote good or bad outcomes.
The Corruption of Commercialisation and Social Media
Berners-Lee traces the web's decline to the commercialisation of the domain name system in the 1990s, which he believes should have been managed by a nonprofit. He notes that the pursuit of profit has driven web design, leading to issues like addiction, polarisation, and disinformation. In a 2024 blog post, he highlighted a map of the internet, showing a red cluster including platforms like X and YouTube that he says have been "optimised for nastiness".
He argues that monopolies by companies like Facebook and Google stifle innovation and harm the web, as they control data in non-transparent ways. To counter this, Berners-Lee is championing the Solid protocol, a project that shifts data control to users through personal "pods", enhancing collaboration and compassion online.
Addressing AI and Regulatory Challenges
On artificial intelligence, Berners-Lee expresses concern, stating that "the horse is bolting" in terms of unchecked AI development. He advocates for a "Cern for AI", where scientists can collaboratively ensure safety, rather than leaving it to commercial silos. He also critiques Australia's social media ban for under-16s, suggesting instead child-friendly smartphones as a better solution.
Berners-Lee's events in Australia, including talks at the Brisbane Powerhouse and Sydney Opera House, underscore his ongoing commitment to reforming the web. His efforts highlight the need for a more humane and user-centric internet, rooted in the principles of his original creation.
