The interactions that create the internet economy shape the way we use the web and what we believe is possible online.
We know the current economic ecosystem of the internet is unhealthy, potentially harmful, and unsustainable as well. Current business models are contributing to the centralization of power, fueling surveillance, and perpetuating inequalities in participation. A lot of people are already focused on how to make what we currently have ‘less bad.’ That’s important work, but we also need space to begin to imagine what else is possible. That’s what this session is about.
This session will be a discussion focused on centering values, questioning power, and imagining something different. Together, we’ll explore what a good economy of the web would look like. We’ll begin to name the principles it would be based on. We’ll share examples of new models and approaches.
This session is intended as a foundational conversation to explore field that is still emerging. Our hope in creating this space at Mozfest is that the conversations and work to reshape the economics of the web and reimagine what's possible will continue. Our hope is that more people join in and that more alternative models will emerge over time. In addition to offering the space to reimagine what's possible, both Mozilla and the Internet Society Foundation have programs looking at the economic ecosystem of the web. Mozilla is also a founding collaborator for Grant for the Web, which is focused on advancing an ecosystem of innovation around the proposed open Web Monetization standard. Some of the ideas and work that emerges from the session might find support via one of those initiatives as well.
What is the goal and/or outcome of your session?:The goal of this session is to create a space for a values based discussion about what a 'good economy' of the web could look like. There is a lot of discussion around - and energy being put into - how to make the structures and practices underlying the current economic models of the web less bad. But what else is possible?
A valuable outcome of this session would be to begin to define the principles that alternative economic models for a better Internet would be based on. And to start to imagine those alternatives.
How will you deal with varying numbers of participants in your session?:Because this session is intended as a conversation, we can be somewhat flexible in the facilitation approach to align with the number of attendees. We do plan to use tools like miro boards, and utilize breakout discussions if the group is larger.
Senior Program Manager @ Mozilla working to ensure the future of the web is not built on the backs of individuals' security and privacy.
Chris is a Senior Program Manager for Grant for Web at the Interledger Foundation.
Program Officer, Research and Innovation