Reclaiming the Web: How Communities Take Back the Internet
Discover movements that are putting the future of the internet into the hands of the people
Introduction
When you think of the internet, what comes to mind? For most, it’s a place where we connect with friends, buy what we need, and find out what’s happening in the world. But beneath the surface of every click, scroll, and search, a battle is raging over who really controls the digital spaces we all use. Major corporations and governments are shaping the internet in ways that serve their interests, often leaving the rest of us with little say over how it works.
But the story doesn’t end there. Across the globe, a vibrant landscape of grassroots experiments and social movements are working to put the internet back in the hands of communities. Technology is a terrain of contestation - and imagination. These efforts show that a more democratic and inclusive internet is not just possible—it’s already happening.
Who Controls the Internet?
The internet might feel like a wide-open space, but in reality, most of what you do online is controlled by a few powerful players. Corporations like Google, Facebook, and Amazon not only own the platforms you use, but they also control the algorithms that decide what you see, the terms of service that limit how you interact, and the data that’s collected every time you’re online. Governments, too, play a major role—some use the internet to monitor citizens, censor information, or shape public opinion.
This concentrated power means that a handful of companies and governments get to decide what the internet looks like and how we use it. But does it have to be this way?
A Movement to Reclaim the Internet
The good news is that communities around the world are pushing back. From local neighborhoods to global coalitions, people are building alternative models for a more democratic and inclusive internet—one where decisions are made by the users, not by a few wealthy corporations.
Take, for example, community-owned internet networks. In places like Detroit and rural Spain, communities are building their own broadband infrastructure, giving them control over how the internet is delivered and used. These networks aren’t just about better access—they’re about creating a digital space where the community sets the rules.
There’s also the rise of platform cooperatives. Unlike traditional platforms like Uber or Amazon, where profits flow to a few executives and shareholders, platform cooperatives are owned and operated by the people who use them. This model flips the script, making sure that workers, users, and local communities benefit directly from the digital economy. For example, drivers in New York City have created their own ride-sharing platform, where they get to decide how it’s run and how profits are shared. Digital commoners, with their radical vision of shared ownership and democratic governance, are at the heart of it. They are not just coding new applications; they are scripting a revolution. From worker-owned ride-hailing cooperatives to decentralized energy trading platforms, their initiatives offer glimpses of a digital economy grounded in community ownership, open access, and the equitable distribution of value.
In addition, concepts like Indigenous data sovereignty are challenging the idea that big tech should control all the data. For many Indigenous communities, the fight to reclaim their data is part of a larger battle to protect their rights and cultures. They are united by a common goal: reclaiming their data, and asserting their inherent rights to govern information about their peoples, lands, and resources. From the development of Indigenous data protocols to the creation of community-controlled data repositories, Indigenous scholars, activists, and community leaders are developing frameworks, protocols, and governance structures of their own; data is a tool for empowerment, a way to preserve and protect Indigenous knowledge and heritage. This is more than just a digital revolution—it’s a way of resisting centuries of exploitation and reclaiming autonomy.
Why This Matters for You
You might be thinking: This sounds great, but how does it affect me? The truth is, the future of the internet impacts everyone. Whether it's your privacy, your access to information, or your ability to participate in the digital economy, the internet shapes so much of modern life. The current system, dominated by corporate interests, often works against everyday users. But as more people push for a community-driven, democratic internet, there’s a real opportunity to create a system that works for all of us.
How You Can Get Involved
There are ways you can show support:
Support community networks: If you’re in an area with a community-owned broadband initiative, get involved! If not, consider advocating for one in your area.
Join a platform cooperative: Look for cooperatives that align with your interests or needs, from ride-sharing to creative work. These platforms benefit the people who use them, not just corporate investors.
Protect your data: Pay attention to who owns your data and how it’s being used. Support efforts for data sovereignty and take steps to protect your personal information online.
A More Democratic Future
The internet wasn’t always dominated by big corporations, and it doesn’t have to be that way in the future. As communities around the world demonstrate, there are alternative paths forward—ones that are more democratic, inclusive, and fair. By supporting these efforts, we can all play a part in reclaiming the web and building a digital world that works for everyone.