2026 is the year that decides whether the open web will survive

4 hours ago

The open web, which allows anyone to create and share content freely without permission, is under existential threat from big tech and AI-driven attacks.
AI bots are scraping content without consent, harming publishers by reducing traffic and increasing costs, leading to more content being locked behind paywalls.
Open APIs and independent media formats like podcasts are being restricted or replaced by closed, proprietary systems controlled by major platforms.
Open-source software projects are overwhelmed by automated AI code submissions, disrupting collaboration and community contributions.
Wikipedia and other vital open platforms face direct attacks from bad-faith campaigns and AI that divert traffic and undermine credibility.
Open standards like robots.txt and Creative Commons licenses are being ignored by big tech, eroding the foundational norms of the web.
The human cost includes exploitation of volunteers and creators who maintain open resources without fair compensation or recognition.
Collective action is needed to support organizations like the Internet Archive, Wikipedia, EFF, and Mozilla, and to promote alternatives to big tech platforms.
Despite the threats, there is hope that communities can rally to defend the open web, possibly leveraging AI for positive change through innovation and policy shifts.

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