"For many years there was a feeling that the wonderful things on the web were going to dominate and we'd have a world with less conflict, more understanding, more and better science, and good democracy," Berners-Lee told the Guardian during the summit. "But people have become disillusioned because of all the things they see in the headlines." (Image: Web Foundation)
'Magna Carta for the Web': Read Tim Berners-Lee's Global Declaration for a Humane and Democratic Internet
"We've created something amazing together, but half the world is still not online, and our online rights and freedoms are at risk. The web has done so much for us, but now we need to stand up."
Warning that the web he helped invent in 1989 is "functioning in a dystopian way" due to extreme corporate concentration and paltry privacy safeguards for consumers, Tim Berners-Lee unveiled what he described as a "Magna Carta for the web" during the international Web Summit in Lisbon on Monday and urged all governments to support basic principles of internet freedom to ensure that the web serves "humanity, science, knowledge, and democracy."
"For many years there was a feeling that the wonderful things on the web were going to dominate and we'd have a world with less conflict, more understanding, more and better science, and good democracy," Berners-Lee told the Guardian during the summit. "But people have become disillusioned because of all the things they see in the headlines."
"Humanity connected by technology on the web is functioning in a dystopian way," Berners-Lee continued. "We have online abuse, prejudice, bias, polarisation, fake news, there are lots of ways in which it is broken. This is a contract to make the web one which serves humanity, science, knowledge and democracy."
Read the full contract below:
Contract for the Web
The web was designed to bring people together and make knowledge freely available. Everyone has a role to play to ensure the web serves humanity. By committing to the following principles, governments, companies and citizens around the world can help protect the open web as a public good and a basic right for everyone.
The Contract Principles are available to read in Espanol, Francais, Portugues and `rb~.
Governments will
Ensure everyone can connect to the internet
So that anyone, no matter who they are or where they live, can participate actively online.
Keep all of the internet available, all of the time
So that no one is denied their right to full internet access.
Respect people's fundamental right to privacy
So everyone can use the internet freely, safely and without fear.
Companies will
Make the internet affordable and accessible to everyone
So that no one is excluded from using and shaping the web.
Respect consumers' privacy and personal data
So people are in control of their lives online.
Develop technologies that support the best in humanity and challenge the worst
So the web really is a public good that puts people first.
Citizens will
Be creators and collaborators on the web
So the web has rich and relevant content for everyone.
Build strong communities that respect civil discourse and human dignity
So that everyone feels safe and welcome online.
Fight for the web
So the web remains open and a global public resource for people everywhere, now and in the future.
We commit to uphold these principles and to engage in a deliberative process to build a full "Contract for the Web", which will set out the roles and responsibilities of governments, companies and citizens. The challenges facing the web today are daunting and affect us in all our lives, not just when we are online. But if we work together and each of us takes responsibility for our actions, we can protect a web that truly is for everyone.
We are at a crossroads
This country and this world are at a monumental crossroads. In a few short weeks, US voters will have an opportunity to beat back the forces of fascism and confront the billionaires who are rigging the economy, our media system, and our democracy, making it increasingly impossible for ordinary people to get by. We’re not just talking about the election. We’re talking about what must be done once these fascist elements are vanquished from power. We need a bolder set of solutions than what either major party has so far been willing to offer and a working-class movement ready to fight like hell for it. Trump didn't emerge from nowhere. The conditions that fueled MAGA authoritarianism were created by decades of radical neoliberal economic policies and a corrupt political system dominated by corporate interests. They slashed taxes on the super-rich, promising that the benefits would trickle down. They said giveaways to the corporate titans would make life more affordable for the rest of us. It was all bullshit. And when a bitter, betrayed populace searches for someone to blame, right-wing demagogues have little trouble finding scapegoats. People know when they're being lied to, but you won't hear any of this from the corporate media. Only independent journalism—powered and funded by people who believe in building a better world—can deliver truly trustworthy daily news. Our Fall Campaign is underway, and we need your help. To power our newsroom through the rest of the year, we need to raise $125,000 by midnight on October 31. So if you share our vision, please contribute whatever you can to sustain our work. |
Warning that the web he helped invent in 1989 is "functioning in a dystopian way" due to extreme corporate concentration and paltry privacy safeguards for consumers, Tim Berners-Lee unveiled what he described as a "Magna Carta for the web" during the international Web Summit in Lisbon on Monday and urged all governments to support basic principles of internet freedom to ensure that the web serves "humanity, science, knowledge, and democracy."
"For many years there was a feeling that the wonderful things on the web were going to dominate and we'd have a world with less conflict, more understanding, more and better science, and good democracy," Berners-Lee told the Guardian during the summit. "But people have become disillusioned because of all the things they see in the headlines."
"Humanity connected by technology on the web is functioning in a dystopian way," Berners-Lee continued. "We have online abuse, prejudice, bias, polarisation, fake news, there are lots of ways in which it is broken. This is a contract to make the web one which serves humanity, science, knowledge and democracy."
Read the full contract below:
Contract for the Web
The web was designed to bring people together and make knowledge freely available. Everyone has a role to play to ensure the web serves humanity. By committing to the following principles, governments, companies and citizens around the world can help protect the open web as a public good and a basic right for everyone.
The Contract Principles are available to read in Espanol, Francais, Portugues and `rb~.
Governments will
Ensure everyone can connect to the internet
So that anyone, no matter who they are or where they live, can participate actively online.
Keep all of the internet available, all of the time
So that no one is denied their right to full internet access.
Respect people's fundamental right to privacy
So everyone can use the internet freely, safely and without fear.
Companies will
Make the internet affordable and accessible to everyone
So that no one is excluded from using and shaping the web.
Respect consumers' privacy and personal data
So people are in control of their lives online.
Develop technologies that support the best in humanity and challenge the worst
So the web really is a public good that puts people first.
Citizens will
Be creators and collaborators on the web
So the web has rich and relevant content for everyone.
Build strong communities that respect civil discourse and human dignity
So that everyone feels safe and welcome online.
Fight for the web
So the web remains open and a global public resource for people everywhere, now and in the future.
We commit to uphold these principles and to engage in a deliberative process to build a full "Contract for the Web", which will set out the roles and responsibilities of governments, companies and citizens. The challenges facing the web today are daunting and affect us in all our lives, not just when we are online. But if we work together and each of us takes responsibility for our actions, we can protect a web that truly is for everyone.
Warning that the web he helped invent in 1989 is "functioning in a dystopian way" due to extreme corporate concentration and paltry privacy safeguards for consumers, Tim Berners-Lee unveiled what he described as a "Magna Carta for the web" during the international Web Summit in Lisbon on Monday and urged all governments to support basic principles of internet freedom to ensure that the web serves "humanity, science, knowledge, and democracy."
"For many years there was a feeling that the wonderful things on the web were going to dominate and we'd have a world with less conflict, more understanding, more and better science, and good democracy," Berners-Lee told the Guardian during the summit. "But people have become disillusioned because of all the things they see in the headlines."
"Humanity connected by technology on the web is functioning in a dystopian way," Berners-Lee continued. "We have online abuse, prejudice, bias, polarisation, fake news, there are lots of ways in which it is broken. This is a contract to make the web one which serves humanity, science, knowledge and democracy."
Read the full contract below:
Contract for the Web
The web was designed to bring people together and make knowledge freely available. Everyone has a role to play to ensure the web serves humanity. By committing to the following principles, governments, companies and citizens around the world can help protect the open web as a public good and a basic right for everyone.
The Contract Principles are available to read in Espanol, Francais, Portugues and `rb~.
Governments will
Ensure everyone can connect to the internet
So that anyone, no matter who they are or where they live, can participate actively online.
Keep all of the internet available, all of the time
So that no one is denied their right to full internet access.
Respect people's fundamental right to privacy
So everyone can use the internet freely, safely and without fear.
Companies will
Make the internet affordable and accessible to everyone
So that no one is excluded from using and shaping the web.
Respect consumers' privacy and personal data
So people are in control of their lives online.
Develop technologies that support the best in humanity and challenge the worst
So the web really is a public good that puts people first.
Citizens will
Be creators and collaborators on the web
So the web has rich and relevant content for everyone.
Build strong communities that respect civil discourse and human dignity
So that everyone feels safe and welcome online.
Fight for the web
So the web remains open and a global public resource for people everywhere, now and in the future.
We commit to uphold these principles and to engage in a deliberative process to build a full "Contract for the Web", which will set out the roles and responsibilities of governments, companies and citizens. The challenges facing the web today are daunting and affect us in all our lives, not just when we are online. But if we work together and each of us takes responsibility for our actions, we can protect a web that truly is for everyone.