The internet has become a complex landscape marked by issues such as addictive algorithms, data exploitation, and misinformation. Three notable figures—Tim Wu, a proponent of net neutrality; former Meta executive Nick Clegg; and Tim Berners-Lee, the web’s inventor—offer distinct strategies for addressing these challenges. Their proposals, however, raise questions about their effectiveness and potential blind spots.
In The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity, Tim Wu argues that the concentration of power among major tech companies necessitates antitrust action. He believes existing laws, particularly anti-monopoly statutes, can effectively dismantle this dominance. Wu highlights how platforms have shifted from providing services to extracting value from users, citing examples like Google and Apple’s ecosystems that create user dependency. He advocates for federal laws to limit industry power, drawing lessons from historical antitrust cases against IBM and AT&T.
Conversely, Nick Clegg, in How to Save the Internet: The Threat to Global Connection in the Age of AI and Political Conflict, presents a different perspective. He argues against breaking up large tech firms, suggesting instead that regulations can address users’ needs without compromising the internet experience. Clegg advocates for transparency in corporate governance and a shift in accountability, emphasizing the need for self-reform among tech companies.
Tim Berners-Lee, in his memoir This Is for Everyone: The Unfinished Story of the World Wide Web, reflects on the evolution of his vision for the web. He introduces the concept of “Solid,” a system designed to grant users control over their data by consolidating it in one private repository. While this addresses privacy concerns, it raises questions about data security and user trust.
Overall, each author presents a unique viewpoint on reforming the internet, focusing on user control, data privacy, and the accountability of large tech firms. The effectiveness of these strategies remains an open question as the digital landscape continues to evolve.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/14/1125104/internet-improvement-book-review-regulation-user-responsibility/