User Being against people policing the internet is a core belief of mine that I have had and from what I remember I was taught it from the very early days when I accessed the internet as being one of the most important responsibilities we had. I can't find a source for it though and it doesn't align completely with the things I am finding and looking back on. Has anyone had a similar experience?
ChatGPT It's not uncommon for early internet users to hold a strong belief in the importance of an open and unpoliced internet. This perspective often stems from the early ethos of the internet, which championed free expression and the free flow of information. Aaron Swartz, a notable advocate for internet freedom, often spoke about the importance of resisting censorship and promoting open access, which resonates with the sentiment you described.
The discrepancy you're noticing between your memories and current information could be due to the evolution of internet governance and cultural attitudes towards digital content. Over time, as the internet became more mainstream and commercialized, issues like copyright infringement, hate speech, and misinformation led to increased calls for regulation and moderation. This shift might make it seem like the foundational principles of the internet have changed, but many still advocate for the preservation of its original, open nature.
If you're looking for historical references or writings that echo your early experiences with internet ethics, you might explore works and speeches from pioneers of the internet freedom movement, like John Perry Barlow's "A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace," which emphasizes self-governance and resistance to external control.
User Aaron didn't actually say that though and his manifesto was actually something I looked at for reference. ChatGPT You’re right; I should clarify that while Aaron Swartz didn’t specifically author the "A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace" (that was John Perry Barlow), Swartz was a strong advocate for free and open access to information online, notably through his involvement with the Creative Commons, RSS, and his stance on public access to scholarly materials, as exemplified by his actions around JSTOR.
If you're exploring foundational texts and figures in the philosophy of internet freedom, both Swartz and Barlow are significant. Swartz's own writings, interviews, and documented actions reflect a deep commitment to principles of open access and resistance to what he saw as undue restrictions on the internet. Exploring more about his life, such as in the documentary "The Internet's Own Boy," might provide more of the philosophical alignment you recall from the early internet ethos.
User What could my source have been? This would have been earlier than when Aaron Swartz was known. I have been online since 1996. ChatGPT If your online experiences date back to 1996, you were part of the internet culture during a very formative period. Before Aaron Swartz became a prominent figure, several other pioneers and texts might have influenced your views on internet freedom and the role of users in policing the web.
Here are a few possibilities that might resonate with the ethos you remember:
John Perry Barlow - As mentioned, his "A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace" (1996) is a seminal work that argues against governmental oversight of the internet. It was written in response to the Telecommunications Reform Act of 1996 in the U.S., which included provisions that were seen as attempts to regulate speech on the internet. Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) - Founded in 1990, EFF has been a major advocate for civil liberties on the internet. Their work includes legal defense, advocacy, and education on issues of free expression, privacy, and digital rights. Their early and ongoing activities and publications might have been a source of your foundational beliefs. The Hacker Manifesto by +++The Mentor+++ (1986) - Also known as "The Conscience of a Hacker," this short essay is a formative document that expresses the ethical and philosophical perspective of early hackers regarding the exploration of and access to information systems. Stewart Brand - A key figure in the digital community, Brand famously said, "Information wants to be free," a phrase that encapsulates a lot of the early digital ethos. This concept was widely discussed in the tech community and could have been influential through various interviews and writings, including his work with the Whole Earth Catalog and the WELL (one of the earliest online communities). Usenet and Early Online Forums - Many ideas about internet governance and the role of users in policing the internet were debated in early online forums and newsgroups. These were platforms where many tech-savvy users first encountered and engaged with the principles of digital freedom and self-regulation. These sources and communities are likely contributors to the ethos you recall, focusing on user empowerment and opposition to external control over internet content and practices.