EFF’s How To Fix The Internet Podcast Offers Optimistic Solutions

It seems that everywhere we look we see dystopian tales of technology’s impact on our lives and future – from stifling innovation to the dominance of a few major platforms, from tracking-based surveillance capitalism to street-level government surveillance. To the increasing pressure of authoritarian governments.

To control what we see and say – the landscape can feel bleak. It is important to highlight and clarify these issues, but it is also envisioning and building a better future. That’s where our new podcast comes in.

EFF’s How to Fix the Internet podcast provides a better way forward. Through curious conversations with some of the foremost leaders in law and technology, we explore creative solutions to some of today’s biggest technological challenges.

After tens of thousands of listeners added to our pilot mini-series last year, we’re continuing the conversation by launching a full season. Listen today to be informed about essential technology issues and join the movement working for a better technology future.

EFF is deeply grateful for the support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s program in the public understanding of science and technology, without which this podcast would not be possible.

“We are proud to partner with EFF to support this new podcast,” said Doron Weber, Vice President and Program Director of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. “How to fix the Internet will bring an unprecedented level of expert knowledge and practical advice to one of the most complex and pressing problems of our technological age.”

With hosts Cindy Cohn and Danny O’Brien, this season we explore how people are building a better world by fighting against software patent trolls, empowering their communities to stand up for their privacy and security. Building true security into our network support. , phones and devices, creating thriving social media communities and ensuring financial privacy in a world of digital payments.

We tried out the EFF podcast concept last year in the 6-episode mini-series of the same name. Not only was it a success with thousands of listeners, but it sparked conversation. At the end of each episode, we asked you how you would fix the internet, and we heard directly from our listeners about what they would do to build a better future.

From technical solutions to policy reforms, people around the world sent thoughtful feedback on what we discussed, as well as their thoughts on how they can make the Internet of tomorrow more vibrant, fair, more decentralized and free. Would like to see As we begin this season, we’d like to keep the invitation open and keep the conversation going: send your ideas and suggestions to improve the digital world to podcasts@eff.org.

Our goal is to envision what the world would look like if technology better supported user power and choices. This means that the roots of the modern Internet are often rooted in power inequalities, insecurities and surveillance advertising, which have huge implications for our ability to access information, hold private conversations, and connect with each other. But instead of repeating what’s wrong with the Internet today, let’s focus on solutions – both practical and idealistic – that can help provide technology users a better path.

We also recognize that there is no one perfect solution to technology problems, partly because there is no consensus about those problems, and also because there is not only one problem. Through this podcast, we try to explore a range of different solutions, rather than providing a single policy solution. We believe there are tons of ways to do it the right way.

We are excited to be able to offer this podcast talk, to get all of us thinking together about how we can build a better future. Join Us – Podcasts Today is available in your podcast player of choice.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a New York-based, non-profit philanthropic institution that provides grants in three areas: research in science, technology and economics; the quality and diversity of scientific institutions; and public participation in science. Sloan’s program in the public understanding of science and technology supports books, radio, film, television, theater and new media to reach a broad, non-specialist audience.