The Challenges of the Digital Age: An Insider’s Perspective
Tim Berners-Lee, one of the founders of the internet, continues to closely monitor its evolution. Over recent decades, the global network has undergone significant changes: the once open and decentralized structure has given way to platforms controlled by large corporations. Today, the internet is increasingly associated with closed ecosystems where algorithms and artificial intelligence shape user experience, and personal data becomes a commodity.
Berners-Lee points out that the original principles of openness and equal access are now under threat. Instead of free knowledge exchange, users face more restrictions, and control over information is concentrated in the hands of a few companies. At the same time, artificial intelligence is rapidly integrating into the digital landscape, exploiting vast amounts of data—often without the owners’ consent.
Losing Balance and New Risks
According to the expert, the current model of the internet violates the tacit agreement between developers and users that formed the foundation of the network in its early years. Today, the digital space increasingly resembles a system where personal information is traded as a commodity, and user interests are pushed into the background. Despite this, Berners-Lee does not view the situation as hopeless and emphasizes that the internet still has the potential to return to its roots.
He emphasizes the need to rethink network architecture in light of ethical standards and technological innovations. Only in this way can trust be restored and people regain control over their own data. Professional communities, research institutions, and technology standardization organizations should play a key role in this process.
Solutions for the Future: Personal Data Under Protection
As one possible path forward, Berners-Lee proposes the Solid concept—a platform focused on protecting personal data. The main idea is that each user stores their data in a separate secure container, and applications can access them only with the owner’s permission. This approach helps to minimize data leakage risks and eliminates unauthorized use of personal information.
Within this concept, tools are being developed that enable the integration of artificial intelligence into the digital environment without compromising privacy. For example, AI-based personal assistants can work solely with the data that the user is willing to provide, without passing it on to third parties or becoming a surveillance tool.
Technology for All: Returning to the Roots
Berners-Lee emphasizes that the internet was originally designed as a space for open knowledge sharing and collaboration. He believes that even amid the dominance of major players and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, it is possible to preserve these values. To achieve this, specialists, universities, and standards-developing organizations need to join forces to create a truly open and secure digital environment.
Despite the challenging situation, the creator of the internet continues to defend the idea that technology should serve the interests of society, not just individual companies. His position remains highly relevant today, as issues of privacy and data control are increasingly important for millions of users worldwide.
