We believe in a better Internet.
We love the Internet. And we know it’s not perfect.
As Internet citizens, we’re faced with an impossible choice: opt into giving away the right to own our data (thus making us vulnerable to data breaches or online surveillance) or opt out of using online services entirely.
This take-it-or-leave-it model is limiting and frankly insulting. It ignores our humanity and simplifies us into patterns of behavior to be analyzed. We’ve grown accustomed to constantly looking over our shoulders, paranoid that someone or some bot might be eavesdropping on our online activity.
Worse, those with nefarious intentions have tainted the Internet and used social media to inflict harm and incite violence.
We know that the Internet can be so much better than this.
What if we could have a do-over? What if we could extract all the goodness the Internet has provided without feeling like we’re sacrificing our privacy, our time, and our control over our digital identities?
Now it’s time for some Internet optimism.
We believe:
Data privacy is a fundamental right.
People shouldn’t have to sign away their data just to access online services. Privacy should be an essential part of any online service or technology solution.
No one’s data should be used without first asking for permission.
Whether the answer is Yes or No, the simple act of asking is the key to building trust.
Permission can only be granted if the request is fully transparent.
People can’t give informed consent if they don’t fully understand what’s at stake. No more unnecessarily long and ambiguously-worded privacy policies. Let’s return trust to the table by telling people exactly how their data is being used.
Internet mindfulness is a thing.
This means stopping to think before automatically reaching for a mobile device, monitoring and limiting time spent scrolling through social media feeds, and not blindly accepting that giving up your privacy is the price for using the Internet. For Internet professionals, this means creating experiences that limit people’s data exposure.
Privacy can be fun!
Seriously. It shouldn’t require elaborate password schemes, forgettable password hints, or picking which boxes have street lights in them to prove one’s humanity. Privacy experiences should be infused with kindness, compassionate user experience, and perhaps even a touch of humor.
