The Disenshittify Project
The Disenshittify Project encourages the creation of simple, privacy-respecting web tools, inspired by frustrations with ad-laden services, promoting user privacy and inviting community participation to combat enshittification.
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The Disenshittify Project aims to combat the enshittification of the web by encouraging individuals to create simple, privacy-respecting tools that do not track users or require sign-ups. The initiative was inspired by the frustrations of John Allsopp, who found that many QR code generators had become paid services or were laden with ads and tracking. He realized that even small-scale projects could contribute to a better web experience. The project promotes the development of tools like a QR code creator and a password generator, both designed to operate without user tracking or data retention. The project also invites suggestions for other tools that could be created in a similar spirit, emphasizing the importance of user privacy and simplicity. Allsopp's approach reflects a broader critique of how platforms evolve from user-friendly to exploitative, a process described by Cory Doctorow as enshittification. The Disenshittify Project encourages developers and non-developers alike to participate in this movement to improve the web incrementally.
- The Disenshittify Project focuses on creating simple, privacy-respecting web tools.
- It was inspired by frustrations with existing QR code generators that became paid or ad-laden.
- The project promotes user privacy by avoiding tracking and data retention.
- It invites community participation in suggesting and developing new tools.
- The initiative critiques the exploitative evolution of web platforms, termed enshittification.
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