Consent of the Networked | Rebecca MacKinnon | Talks at Google

TL;DR

In her book "Consent of the Networked," Rebecca MacKinnon explores the role of governments, companies, and citizens in shaping the future of internet freedom worldwide.

Transcript

Female presenter: So I wanted to introduce all of you to Rebecca MacKinnon who is here to talk about her new book, Consent of the Networked. Rebecca is currently a senior fellow at the New America Foundation and also a co-founder of Global Voices which is a citizen journalism network and she also had a stint at the Berkman Center at Harvard. But ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💨 The internet has transformed the way citizens interact with government and politics on a global scale.
• 🪡 There is a need to improve the accountability of governments and companies in shaping internet governance.
• 🗯️ Building mechanisms that protect individual rights and enable a pluralistic information ecosystem is crucial.
• 👤 Companies should engage with users and stakeholders to anticipate problems and address concerns.
• 🤩 Transparency in government demands for user information and the importance of the digital commons are key aspects of internet freedom.
• 🥹 Investor activism and regulations can contribute to holding companies accountable for their actions.
• 💁 The challenge is to promote informed consent and civic engagement in a world where emotions and biases often dominate decision-making.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is the internet influencing the development of democracy in countries like Egypt and Tunisia?

The internet played a role in the Arab Spring, but building a functional democracy after a revolution is a more complex challenge. Countries like Egypt and Tunisia struggle with issues of censorship, surveillance, and the role of technology in governance.

Q: How can companies ensure that their products and policies are compatible with democratic values?

Companies need to engage with their users and stakeholders to understand their concerns and anticipate potential problems. This can involve building mechanisms for feedback and actively involving users in product development.

Q: How can the power of governments be held accountable in a globally interconnected world?

The current model of nation-state democracy is inadequate for holding governments accountable for their actions on the internet. New mechanisms need to be developed, and companies could potentially act as advocates for users who are not from the country passing the laws.

Q: How can companies balance being profitable while also supporting democracy and internet freedom?

Companies need to consider the impact of their decisions on user rights and interests. Transparency, engagement with stakeholders, and adherence to human rights standards are important in ensuring that companies contribute to a society that is sustainable and respects democratic values.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Rebecca MacKinnon discusses the evolving role of the internet and its impact on democracy and governance.

• She highlights the importance of ensuring that the internet evolves in a way that serves the rights and interests of citizens.

• MacKinnon explores the issues surrounding the mismatch between state power, corporate governance, and user rights.