For a Clearer Net

The giants of the Internet behave like the bullies on the playground. “Giving is giving. To take back is to fly,” according to Google, Facebook, Skype and others. In exchange for the totally or nearly free digital services that they offer, they feel entitled to own the lifetime of digital footprints left behind by Net users. Respect for privacy would stop where the “business plans” of the Silicon Valley stars start.

The billions of connected people deserve better than to be treated as mere commodities. Of course, it would be ridiculous to prohibit e-citizens and e-consumers from voluntarily agreeing to share a great deal of information. That a site knows my location, my identity, my tastes, my friends and my desires is not objectionable if this collection of information is to better serve me by providing me with relevant information. In the infinite universe of the Internet, allowing users to access basic information as quickly as possible has a purpose.

It would still be necessary that the rules be clear to web users. As required by U.S. authorities today, this prerequisite already goes beyond the obligation to inform the user in a clear manner, giving the user the power to decide whether or not to leave traces in cyberspace with one click.

But the giants of the Net must go further. While we cannot put too cumbersome of constraints on start-ups, the companies that have become giants must accept greater responsibility. Google, Facebook and Apple have, thus, put themselves in the position of responding quickly to their customers’ questions and requests. Whether the services they offer are free or not does not change anything. When the service is free, it is because the user’s attention is actually sold to advertisers and, therefore, generates revenue.

Technological difficulties and the logistical challenges cannot be an excuse. It is essential that personal data not be entirely stored in the United States, as that de facto deprives the other citizens around the world from any use. It is equally essential to establish a digital right to oblivion for erasing all traces of information. To ensure that the Net progresses, it must be clearer and less opaque.