Many internet-goers have been concerned lately that big sites like Google and Facebook have been dipping their fingers into their personal data far deeper than they should. As it turns out, someone important shares that concern: Time Bernes-Lee. Who’s he? Oh he’s just the guy who invented the internet. No big deal.
Bernes-Lee has stated that he’s tired of companies like Facebook spying on its users under the pretense of social networking. He believes that the online applications people need to regularly use should do so without mining them or trying to sell them something. Enter his new project: Solid. A joint development between Bernes-Lee and an MIT team of programmers, solid is an open-source web platform that gives users much more precise control over their data (where it goes, where it’s stored, who can see it, etc.). Apps can also be developed using Solid’s firmware, with the ultimate goal being to replace apps popularized by the tech giants. All of the functionality without the concern that your Messaging app is watching you while you eat breakfast.
The startup company that will be producing Solid is still in its skeletal phases. Bernes-Lee acknowledges that this will likely be a tough undertaking, rebuilding app use from the ground up, but he is certain there is a steadily growing demand for such a thing.
