Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web, has initiated a campaign urging governments, businesses, and individuals to commit to a “Contract for the Web,” a set of principles aimed at safeguarding a free and open Internet. Expressing concern over the erosion of optimism due to issues such as personal data abuses, online hate speech, political manipulation, and the concentration of power among major tech firms, Berners-Lee emphasized the need to rebuild trust and expand Internet access on fair terms.
Speaking at the Web Summit conference in Lisbon, Berners-Lee stated that the web is at a crucial juncture and called for a new contract outlining clear and robust responsibilities for those capable of improving it. He highlighted the role of governments, companies, and individual users, noting that certain issues, like net neutrality, require government involvement, while others involve companies of all sizes.
In an effort to encourage collaboration, Berners-Lee outlined some of the contract’s starting principles, receiving endorsements from over 50 organizations, including the French government, Internet Sans Frontieres, and companies like Google and Facebook. The principles encompass commitments such as delivering a neutral Internet for ISPs and ensuring user control of data for social networking companies. Individual pledges include a commitment to “respect civil discourse and human dignity” to foster a safe and welcoming online environment.
While the full terms of the contract are yet to be finalized, Berners-Lee aims to complete the agreement by May 2019, coinciding with the moment when over half of the world’s population will be online for the first time. However, challenges remain regarding the enforcement of principles, particularly in light of the inherent anonymity of the Internet.