BONUS: How the Internet Got Worse with Cory Doctorow - Masters in Business Recap

Podcast: Masters in Business

Published: 2026-01-21

Duration: 42 min

Summary

Cory Doctorow discusses the decay of digital platforms in his new book, 'Ingentification,' emphasizing the erosion of user rights and privacy online. He reflects on his long career advocating for digital rights and the challenges posed by monopolistic practices in tech.

What Happened

In this bonus episode, Cory Doctorow, a prominent writer and digital rights activist, delves into the themes of his new book, 'Ingentification,' which examines how digital platforms have deteriorated over time. Doctorow, who has a rich background with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, highlights the importance of ensuring that human rights are preserved in the digital realm. He shares how his career has evolved from a writer to an influential voice in the digital rights movement, showcasing his dedication to advocating for user rights online.

Doctorow recounts pivotal moments in his work, such as the early involvement with encryption rights, including the landmark Bernstein case that established the principle that code is a form of speech protected under the First Amendment. He emphasizes the significance of strong encryption in securing personal communications and transactions, stating, "when you take your distraction rectangle out of your pocket and click it, in the instant it takes for that file to land on the mass storage, it's encrypted." His narrative illustrates the ongoing battle against restrictive intellectual property laws that stifle innovation and user freedom, particularly through anti-circumvention laws that prevent modifications to digital products.

Throughout the conversation, Doctorow expresses his concerns about the increasing monopolization of digital platforms and the associated privacy invasions. He notes how users have taken matters into their own hands by employing ad blockers, highlighting it as "the largest consumer boycott in history." This shift indicates a growing awareness and resistance to intrusive advertising practices that threaten user autonomy. Doctorow's insights serve as a wake-up call to listeners about the pressing need for reform in the tech industry to safeguard individual rights and promote a healthier digital ecosystem.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What are the main themes in Cory Doctorow's book 'Ingentification'?

Cory Doctorow's book 'Ingentification' explores the deterioration of digital platforms and the implications for user rights and privacy. He argues that as these platforms have grown, they have increasingly acted against the interests of users, leading to a decline in the quality of online experiences. Doctorow emphasizes that this decay is not just a technical issue but a fundamental challenge to human rights in the digital age.

How did Cory Doctorow get involved with the Electronic Frontier Foundation?

Doctorow became engaged with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) long before he joined them, initially through his interest in their work. He cites a significant early case involving encryption rights, which piqued his interest in digital rights activism. His commitment to defending user rights and advocating for privacy led him to work with the EFF for nearly a quarter of a century, focusing on ensuring that human rights extend online.

What was the Bernstein case and its significance?

The Bernstein case revolved around the right to publish encryption source code, which was classified by the NSA as a munition. Doctorow highlights that the case was about advocating for the First Amendment right to express oneself through code. Winning this case established a precedent that code is a form of speech, which has had lasting implications for secure communications and digital rights.

Why does Doctorow believe ad blockers are significant?

Doctorow points out that ad blockers represent the largest consumer boycott in history, showcasing users' resistance to invasive advertising practices. He argues that this collective action forces product managers to reconsider their advertising strategies, knowing that overly intrusive ads could drive users to block them entirely. This shift reflects a growing demand for better digital practices and user autonomy.

What challenges does Doctorow see in today's digital landscape?

Doctorow identifies the rise of monopolistic practices as a major challenge in the digital landscape. He warns that current laws, particularly anti-circumvention regulations, stifle innovation and restrict user freedoms. Additionally, he emphasizes the need to reclaim the means of computation for users, advocating for technologies that serve their interests rather than those of corporations, thus promoting a healthier digital ecosystem.