It’s Not Too Late to Save the Internet

The Trump administration is pursuing its own version of internet sovereignty. If Trump obtains a second term, his policies will empower and legitimize efforts by governments around the world to fence off different parts of the internet in service of their own geopolitical and domestic objectives. Asserting internet sovereignty already helps incumbent leaders and their political parties tip the scales to manipulate elections and manufacture their own legitimacy, particularly in countries with weak or deteriorating rule of law—which is now on a steady global decline, including in the U.S. If the Trump administration helps to normalize the banning and blocking of entire apps and platforms, strongmen will be in an even stronger position.

If the American people deny Trump a second term, the Biden-Harris administration will need to reboot America’s internet policy and recommit to a vision of an open internet through which data and information can flow freely. Congress must take decisive steps to protect internet users from abuse of government surveillance powers. It must curb invasive and opaque commercial data tracking that not only enables platforms and advertisers to manipulate users’ behavior, but also serves up a treasure trove of behavioral data that is currently available for purchase on the open market—by anyone, including directly and indirectly by a range of intelligence agencies. Legislative action to protect the rights of people who use U.S. companies’ networks and platforms will make it easier for governments and companies to work together toward further transparency and accountability standards.

[Rebecca MacKinnon directs New America’s Ranking Digital Rights project]