Toward a Better Internet
Could a civic-minded digital media emerge as a counterweight to the current platform-dominated internet, where algorithms help spread mis- and disinformation, echo chambers cabin our online interactions, and tech giants dominate over a wide range of economic and expressive activities?
This blog channel explores the possibility of building a better internet, one that facilitates public discourse, respects individual privacy, and fosters democratic processes.
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Deep Dive: Toward a Better Internet
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Facebook?
Start with Congress enabling more research and journalism focused on social media platforms
By Ramya Krishnan & Alex Abdo -
Op-ed: Toward a Better Internet
Facebook Banned Me for Life Because I Help People Use It Less
Facebook is increasingly using its terms of service to crush not only research but also tools that give users more control over their data and platform experience
By Louis Barclay -
Quick Take: Toward a Better Internet
Institute Litigation Director Troubled Over Future of Research on Facebook
Knight Institute believes platform is trying to silence independent research into its ad-related practices
By A. Adam Glenn -
Quick Take: Toward a Better Internet
Is the First Amendment Up to the Task in the Digital Age?
Knight Institute Director Jameel Jaffer on the future of free speech amid threats from private actors
By Ashwin Pillai -
Podcast: Toward a Better Internet
Ethan Zuckerman Reimagines the Internet
A podcast exploring questions about content moderation and the future of online communities
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Deep Dive: Toward a Better Internet
Can We Conceive of a New Internet?
By A. Adam GlennThe Knight First Amendment Institute hosted a week-long symposium to explore ways to lessen the dominance of tech giants and find new alternatives to gather online.
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Deep Dive: Toward a Better Internet
Social Media Mapping Project Takes Flight with Avian Avatars
Collaboration between Institute researchers, artist pairs various online community “logics” with birds of a feather
By A. Adam Glenn -
Deep Dive: Toward a Better Internet
An Illustrated Field Guide to Social Media
A look at alternative logics for social media published in connection with “Reimagine the Internet”
By Chand Rajendra-Nicolucci & Ethan Zuckerman -
Deep Dive: Toward a Better Internet
Forum Logic: Topical, with a side of toxicity
Looking back at topic-based social networks may offer one way forward for social media
By Chand Rajendra-Nicolucci & Ethan Zuckerman -
Deep Dive: Toward a Better Internet
Gift Logic: Labors of love flourish online under fandom’s social norms
Fan culture’s cycle of gifting, receiving, and reciprocating helps create and maintain social solidarity
By Casey Fiesler
Litigation
Lawsuit
Edgar v. Haines
A lawsuit challenging the government's system of "prepublication review"
Learn MoreResearch
Symposiums and Convenings
Lies and the Law
A series of public conversations exploring what the law can and should do about the problem of lies and deception in the contemporary mass public sphere
Learn MoreResearch
Essays and Scholarship
What We Owe Whistleblowers
Jameel Jaffer argues that their disclosures since 9/11 have been vital, and that we should protect them better than we do
Learn MoreReading Room
Transparency & Democracy
The OLC's Opinions
Documents released in our FOIA lawsuit for OLC legal opinions issued prior to 1994
Learn More