On John Perry Barlow’s “A Declaration of The Independence of Cyberspace”
One of the classes I’m taking this quarter is Science, Technology, and Society. In this course, we are exploring the social and political implications of science and technology. Topics we will cover include algorithmic design, artificial intelligence, robotics, digital surveillance, virtual and augmented reality, digital immortality, mind uploading, and others.
This week, we read John Perry Barlow’s “A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace.” This open letter to the world’s governments outlines Barlow’s belief in the importance of preserving the freedom and independence of cyberspace as a new global community. He saw the internet as a new form of global community that should be protected from the interference of governments and centralized organizations. The declaration establishes principles to ensure the independence and freedom of cyberspace and preserve it as a place where people can communicate and exchange ideas freely.
The Legacy of Barlow’s Declaration
Whether we have lived up to Barlow’s beliefs outlined in the declaration is a matter of debate. On the one hand, the internet has remained a space of immense freedom and openness, where people from around the world can communicate and access information freely. On the other hand, governments and corporations have increasingly sought to exert control over the internet through censorship, data collection, and other means. Issues of privacy and security have become increasingly important, leading to debates about the balance between freedom and control in cyberspace.
Barlow’s quote, “Cyberspace does not lie within your borders. Do not think that you can build it, as though it were a public construction project,” alludes to the government but is also relevant to the centralization of tech and social media companies on the internet today. The quote suggests that cyberspace is a decentralized and autonomous entity that cannot be controlled by governments or corporations, and should not be treated as a public construction project but as a space shaped by its users.
Today, many tech and social media companies have significant control and influence over the internet, shaping how we access information, communicate with each other, and participate in online communities. This has led to concerns about centralization and the concentration of power in the hands of a few corporations. Barlow’s quote serves as a reminder that the internet should remain a decentralized and open space where power is distributed and not concentrated in the hands of a few companies. It is a call to action to preserve the freedom and independence of cyberspace as it continues to evolve and grow.
If you would like to read John Perry Barlow’s declaration the link to his paper will be here.
