The internet has faced significant challenges in recent years, according to bestselling author and technology commentator Cory Doctorow. In a recent discussion with Faisal al Yafai on the podcast The Lede, Doctorow explored themes from his new book, “Enshittification,” which details the decline in user experience driven by major tech companies prioritizing profit over user welfare.
Doctorow reflects on his early experiences with technology, describing how the internet transformed lives for the better. He recalls how it helped individuals find their identities, connect with others, and discover new opportunities. “For a lot of us, our journey into tech is that we used computers, and it changed our lives for the better,” he noted.
Yet, Doctorow now argues that the landscape has shifted dramatically. He pointed to the removal of the app ICE Block by Apple, which was designed to alert users about the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. “You can’t run the app that tells you when ICE is in your neighborhood trying to kidnap you,” he stated, emphasizing the detrimental consequences of concentrated power in the hands of a few technology firms.
Profit Over User Experience
Doctorow criticized the business models of large tech companies, asserting that they often prioritize profits at the expense of product reliability. He cited Apple’s resistance to “right to repair” legislation, which would require the company to make its products more easily repairable. “Apple led that coalition to make sure that you just didn’t keep your iPhone working,” he asserted, highlighting how corporate interests can undermine consumer rights.
He expressed concern over the flawed incentive structures that allow these companies to operate without accountability. “The reason they can be as wicked as they are and still run the company is because we have an enshittogenic policy environment,” Doctorow stated. This environment, he argues, rewards harmful practices instead of punishing them.
Doctorow’s insights extend to current technological trends, particularly artificial intelligence. He anticipates potential pitfalls not from AI’s power but from the mismanagement of its implementation. “I think we’re going to screw up AI by firing a bunch of people and replacing them with an algorithm that can’t do their job,” he explained, warning of the risks associated with prioritizing cost-cutting over effective human roles in technology.
Path Forward for Technology
As the conversation unfolded, Doctorow shared his vision for a more equitable technology landscape. He stressed the importance of user empowerment and the need for policies that prioritize consumer welfare over corporate profits. Advocating for stronger regulations and accountability measures, he believes that a more balanced approach could restore trust in digital platforms.
Doctorow’s commentary reflects a growing concern among many in the tech community about the trajectory of the internet and the role of major companies within it. With a call for greater responsibility and transparency, he aims to inspire a movement towards a healthier digital ecosystem.
The discussion concludes with a call to action for individuals and policymakers alike to reconsider the current state of technology. As Doctorow emphasizes, the future of the internet depends on our collective ability to advocate for meaningful change. The episode serves as a reminder that while the internet has the potential to enrich lives, it requires active engagement to ensure it serves the public good.
For those interested in exploring these topics further, the full discussion is available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
