The Visionary Behind the World Wide Web Predicts 2025 as a Milestone for Digital Human Rights
Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, has expressed optimism that 2025 could mark a turning point for digital human rights. However, he has also cautioned about the potential for a backlash against "polarizing social media."
Speaking at the Web Summit technology event in Lisbon last November, Berners-Lee shared his hope for a "wave of standardization" in areas such as data rights, human rights, and digital sovereignty in the coming year.
He elaborated: “I feel that we’ll see a sort of wave—some might even call it a backlash—against the polarizing social media.”
Algorithms at the Core of Social Media Toxicity
In his conversation with Euronews Next, Berners-Lee attributed much of the toxicity found on social media to algorithms designed to amplify divisive content. While developers have the capability to address these issues, he argued that many platforms deliberately avoid doing so.
“Should you blame the person who wrote [the message]? Perhaps, but they’re only a small part of the ecosystem,” he explained.
“The real issue is the algorithm that showed that message to millions of people. It’s not that the world is inherently toxic—it’s that these algorithms are engineered to provoke reactions, drive clicks, and keep users engaged.”
Reflecting on 35 Years of the Web
Now in its 35th year, the World Wide Web was born out of Berners-Lee’s vision for a distributed information-sharing system that could connect scientists and institutions worldwide. However, in a recent open letter, he lamented that the web’s foundational values have been eroded over the past decade.
"The web was designed as a tool to empower humanity," he wrote, "but instead of embodying these ideals, it has, in many ways, contributed to undermining them."
He pointed to the centralization of platforms, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the web’s influence on geopolitics and economic shifts as factors reshaping the world—often at the expense of individual rights and freedoms.
A Hopeful Outlook for the Future
Despite these challenges, Berners-Lee remains hopeful. He believes a new wave of innovation, led by developers and technologists, can steer the digital landscape in a more positive direction. He sees promise in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and tools that empower users to take control of their own data.
"Every system, every person, every patient ought to have that power," he said. "And I think that realization is happening."
One such initiative is Solid, a project spearheaded by Berners-Lee. Solid allows individuals to store their personal data in secure “Pods,” giving them full control over their digital identities. By reducing reliance on centralized platforms, this system could help eliminate bots and fake accounts, fostering a safer and more trustworthy online environment.
Beyond Technology: The Role of Policy
While technology can play a significant role in shaping the future, Berners-Lee emphasized that the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with developers. Policymakers, advocates, and citizens all have a part to play in upholding the rights of digital citizens and ensuring the sovereignty of individuals in the digital age.
“I think it’s going to be exciting,” Berners-Lee concluded, his optimism undimmed.
