The Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace is a highly interesting, relevant and at the same time dated text. Written in the 90’s at the dawn of the rise of the digital world it views this new Cyberspace as a world full of possibilities. A space outside the reach of governmental structures and law enforcements. A space of true freedom.

The ideals are reminiscent of the Wild West, mankind in true freedom, the style brings to mind the declaration of a constitution. It is no question that this document was intended to be referred to across the decades to follow.

What actually followed is a far less romantic continuation of mundane history. The cyberspace was taken over by capitalist platforms profiting off our tendency to addiction.

Consequently, legislation had to be introduced to the cyberspace. While a little over 2 decades ago those present in the web were fascinated by the ability to have anonymous exchanges with people across the world, current web users are concerned by issues such as untraceable hate speech on social media platforms.

The Cyberspace is no longer a lawless space. An increasing number of data protection laws are being introduced. It isn’t a place without prejudices either. AI takes over the racial, homophobic, sexist, etc. prejudices of its programmers. While once standing for free communication, algorithms now put users into echo-chambers repeating and reinforcing already present opinions, that lead to political polarization.

This being said the internet is different from the web and many legislators are still fighting for its freedom through concepts such as net neutrality. Access to and speed of the internet should not be dependent on the law of the strongest/right of the richest.

What the Cyberspace has not lost yet is the belief that this invention, that has revolutionized our daily and political lives, can be used for good.

And where there is hope, there is a way

Canenbley, France --- September 2022

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Back to the beginning :)