Breaking Free from Cloud Giants — part 1.

The Hidden Issues of the Modern Internet

The Internet has transformed the world in incredible ways, connecting billions of people, fostering innovation, and making information more accessible than ever before. However, as the Internet has evolved, so have its problems.

The Early Days of the Internet

My first experience with the Internet dates back to 1995, when I started university. Back then, it was a different world. You might think the idea of a “Decentralized Internet” is new, but it isn’t. We read news on a distributed platform called Usenet, and chatted with people all around the world via IRC.

Today’s Internet, however, is far from the open, decentralized space it once was. It is now dominated by a few large corporations, plagued by privacy concerns, and marked by growing inequalities in access and freedom. Let’s explore some of the key issues facing the modern Internet.

Centralization of Power

One of the biggest issues is the concentration of control in the hands of a few tech giants, often referred to as Big Tech. Companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft dominate much of the online landscape. They control vast amounts of user data, influence search results, and even shape public opinion through their platforms.

This centralization creates a “walled garden” effect. Users are locked into ecosystems that are difficult to leave. For example, once you are deeply integrated into Google’s services — using Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos — it’s challenging to move to alternatives without major disruptions to your digital life. This leads to a lack of competition and innovation. Smaller companies struggle to compete with these tech monopolies.

Privacy and Surveillance

The modern Internet thrives on data — specifically, user data. Most services we use online are free, but in reality, we pay for them with our personal information. Social media platforms, search engines, and apps collect data on everything we do. From our browsing habits to our location and even our private conversations. This constant surveillance creates a lack of privacy.

“Arguing that you don’t care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don’t care about free speech because you have nothing to say”

— Edward Snowden —

Your data is being used to build detailed profiles, which are then sold to advertisers or used to manipulate content you see online. Targeted ads, suggested videos, and tailored news feeds are all shaped by this collection of data. Beyond advertising, governments and corporations have also used this information for surveillance purposes.

Censorship

Centralized control brings with itself the risk of censorship. Governments and corporations can determine what information is available and what gets removed. Some countries impose strict controls over the Internet, blocking access to certain websites, limiting freedom of expression.

“When truth is replaced by silence,the silence is a lie.”

― Yevgeny Yevtushenko ―

Even in countries with more open access, the algorithms that control what we see on platforms like Facebook or YouTube can have a similar effect. These algorithms prioritize engagement. They often promote content that aligns with certain interests or political beliefs, while suppressing alternative viewpoints. This can create “filter bubbles,” where users only see content that reinforces their existing beliefs.

Money for Nothing

The ad-driven model has shifted the focus to clicks and views, prioritizing engagement over quality content. Many websites are built around attracting as many users as possible. They often use clickbait headlines, sensational content, or controversial posts. The most extreme or emotionally charged content gets the most attention, while thoughtful, well-researched content is often overlooked.

In addition, ads slow down websites and clutter our online experience. Some ads can even be harmful, containing malware or tracking software. This aggressive approach to monetizing the Internet also drives companies to collect more data to serve even more targeted ads.

Conclusion

The modern Internet is a powerful tool, but it’s becoming more flawed. Issues like centralized control, privacy breaches, and censorship show that change is necessary. Decentralized platforms and open-source technologies are steps in the right direction.

The Internet was originally designed to be a free and open space for sharing information. To protect this vision, we need to reconsider how the web operates.

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

― Albert Einstein ―

In the next article, I explore an innovative solution to these challenges — the Cloudillo Collaboration Platform. This decentralized, user-owned platform aims to restore privacy, data control, and freedom to online collaboration.