Protocols, Not Platforms: A Technological Approach to Free Speech

The article discusses the challenges faced by internet platforms in managing free speech, privacy, and disinformation. It highlights the shift in sentiment towards social media platforms, with concerns ranging from hate speech to censorship of viewpoints. Various stakeholders, including politicians, have criticized platforms for different reasons, such as enabling foreign interference and spreading propaganda. The article proposes a different approach to address these issues by advocating for building protocols instead of platforms. By returning to open protocols, users could have more control over their online experience, fostering competition and innovation while avoiding centralized control over speech. This shift could also enhance user privacy and introduce new business models that do not rely solely on monetizing user data. Ultimately, the article suggests that moving towards open protocols could offer a more sustainable solution to the current challenges faced by internet platforms.