Synopsis
What exactly is wrong with the World Wide Web?
Since its inception in the mid-90s, the Web has allowed billions of people globally to connect, share information, do business, and be entertained. While online platform companies like Facebook have used the Web to provide useful services like social media, their true focus is on surveilling us, extracting and analyzing our personal data, and manipulating our behaviors.
The result? A trustless online environment filled with creepy ads, misinformation, pernicious bots, and more. What, if anything, can be done to weave a new Web? In this ground-breaking book, Richard Whitt, former longtime policy attorney at Google, describes what our digital future could look like—and crucially how we can get there from here. His carefully researched analysis shows how a new profession of Net fiduciaries can serve each of us under duties of care, good faith, and loyalty. In turn, these trustworthy entities can arm us with advanced “edgetech,” like authentic personal AI agents which can protect, enhance, and promote our best interests, both online and offline. This hopeful scenario need not be science fiction.
Reweaving the Web lays out concrete steps that each of us can take to make that promising future a reality.
“Definitely thought-provoking!” – Vint Cerf, Co-father of the Internet
“A deeply thoughtful framework for a future where technology enhances rather than erodes our humanity.” – Vilas S. Dhar, President, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
“Richard Whitt brilliantly and meticulously constructs GliaNet, a complete trust-based overlay of the Web, where each of us enjoys autonomy and agency.” – Susan Ness, Distinguished Fellow, Annenberg Public Policy Center
“As Richard’s book demonstrates, we can still create a web that serves the many and not just the few.” – Mark Surman, President, Mozilla Foundation
“Whitt doesn't just critique; he offers a bold, actionable vision for a digital landscape built on respect, pro-social incentives, and individual agency. Reweaving the Web shows us ways in which we could actively craft a more empowering digital future.” – Tui Shaub Cord, Principal, Omidyar Network
“Whitt's blending of economics, historical context, and solution sets makes Reweaving the Web a must-read for policymakers on Capitol Hill and in state capitals alike. For that matter the book is essential reading for anyone serious about the future of digital governance and personal agency." – Tim Lordan, Executive Director, Internet Education Foundation
“Richard Whitt brilliantly gives us a glimpse of a brighter digital future we can all support.” – Jonathan Cohen, Wilkinson Barker & Knauer
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