8 steps for a better Internet

Yesterday on netzwertig.com I posted my thoughts on eight steps that need to be accomplished or considered to make the internet even better than it is today, for both private and professional/business purposes. Here are the steps in random order:

1. Global licensing
It's no fun to see national borders on the global internet when consuming media from popular sources like Hulu (US only), Spotify (a few European countries only) or YouTube (some videos only available in some countries). A better internet is an internet without these kind of limitations.

2. Net neutrality
The internet doesn't treat different kinds of content in a different way. Data is data. Some operators want to change that (or have already done it). A better internet is achieved when there will be no doubts left that all data is handled equally.

3. Better filters
There is no information overload, but there are bad filters. That's the problem that needs to be solved. Better systems for filtering and recommendations based on personal fields of interest and usage history is what we need in order to be able to use the web in the best and most efficient way.

4. Data portability

Even if it is understandable that profit oriented organisations like Facebook or Google are making it hard for users to delete and export their profile data, some things have to change. The user needs control over his/her data, and he/she must be able to import, export and delete it if he/she wishes so.

5. Better payment methods

Even if the users willingness of paying for content and web services is said to be low, there should be a simple, global and secure payment system for micropayments. Then, supply and demand will decide about the feasibility of paid models, not the lack of great and easy payment methods.

6. Fast broadband for everybody
In the same way as water, electricity and roads are being seen as basic infrastructure, even fast broadband should be. The more people have access to fast down- and upstream connections, the better the internet experience and variety of services will be for everyone.

7. Higher status for founders
The higher status and confirmation people get when starting companies within the digital field, the more will feel encouraged to follow this step. With an increasing number of founders and startups, it is more likely to see innovative and revolutionary web services.

8. Higher media competence
The more know-how users, decision makers, politicians and companies do have about the way the web works and regarding the risks and challenges connected to the digital world, the better and smarter decisions they'll make when using and shaping the web.

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Martin Weigert’s thoughts on the social web. And life.

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8 steps for a better Internet

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