In a candid and insightful conversation, Edward Snowden and Jack Dorsey delved into the evolution of the internet, the power dynamics at play, and the potential of decentralised protocols like Noster and Bitcoin. The discussion was interspersed with humour and personal reflections, providing a rare glimpse into the minds of two influential figures in the tech and privacy spheres.
Snowden, speaking from exile, reflected on the sacrifices he made to expose government surveillance, comparing himself to historical figures like Aristotle and Cicero who also faced exile. He emphasised that his actions were driven by a desire to challenge the state’s overreach and to advocate for a more transparent and accountable system.
Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter and current advocate for decentralised technologies, shared his journey from leading a corporate giant to supporting open protocols. He highlighted the pitfalls of centralised platforms, such as single points of failure and the pressures of advertising revenue. Dorsey lamented the loss of the early internet’s open and permissionless nature, which fostered creativity and innovation.
The conversation touched on the challenges of managing public key cryptography for everyday users. Snowden noted that while these systems are robust, they remain incomprehensible to the average person. He called for solutions that make cryptographic systems more user-friendly and accessible.
Dorsey and Snowden discussed the current state of social media and the internet. Snowden criticised the narrowing of permissible speech on platforms like Twitter and YouTube, arguing that bad ideas should be exposed and debated rather than hidden. He expressed concern about the increasing centralisation and control exerted by governments and corporations, warning that this trend threatens free speech and innovation.
Noster, an unowned protocol, emerged as a beacon of hope in their discussion. Both Snowden and Dorsey praised its potential to create a more open and collaborative ecosystem. Dorsey was particularly excited about Noster’s integration of micropayments, which he believes could have provided a better revenue model for Twitter had Bitcoin existed at its inception.
Snowden expressed his optimism about Noster, despite its early-stage challenges like discoverability and scalability. He emphasised the importance of small, like-minded communities in fostering better governance and innovation. He also acknowledged the need for Noster to evolve and become more user-friendly to attract a broader audience.
The conversation turned to the role of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, where Snowden serves on the board. He highlighted the importance of tools like SecureDrop, which enable anonymous tips to be securely submitted to newsrooms. Snowden stressed the need for independent solutions to support whistleblowers and journalists, given the declining trust in traditional media institutions.
Dorsey and Snowden also touched on the broader societal implications of their work. Snowden warned of the authoritarian tendencies of governments worldwide, drawing parallels between the increasing control exerted by liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes like China. He called for a renewed focus on education and transparency to empower individuals to understand and control the technologies they use.
In a heartfelt moment, Dorsey asked Snowden about his personal life and what brings him joy. Snowden shared that becoming a parent has been a profound experience, despite the challenges of living in exile. He finds joy in reading to his children and watching them grow and learn.
The conversation concluded with a call to action. Dorsey encouraged the audience to send Snowden a virtual hug through their Noster clients, expressing admiration and gratitude for his sacrifices and ongoing efforts to promote transparency and freedom.
This discussion between Snowden and Dorsey serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle for a free and open internet. It underscores the importance of decentralised technologies in preserving individual freedoms and fostering innovation in an increasingly controlled digital landscape.