The Control of the Internet: An Examination of Ownership and Bias

​ETF Research & Analytics Team

ETF Research & Analytics | A function of the ETF corporate think tank.

In 2023 the Internet plays a vital role in modern society, serving as a global network for communication, information dissemination, and economic activities. This report aims to explore the question of who controls the internet and whether it is biased. By examining the various stakeholders involved in internet governance, the report provides an overview of the control mechanisms and potential biases present in the internet ecosystem.

The internet is a decentralized network of interconnected networks, making it challenging to pinpoint a single entity that controls it. Nevertheless, several key stakeholders exert influence over different aspects of internet governance, including governments, intergovernmental organizations, private corporations, non-profit organizations, and individual users. Understanding the roles of these stakeholders is crucial in assessing the potential for bias within the internet.

Government Control
Governments around the world play a significant role in controlling the internet within their respective jurisdictions. They enact laws and regulations that shape online content, privacy, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. Some governments exercise strict control over internet access, content censorship, and surveillance, leading to concerns about bias and infringement on freedom of expression. Examples include China's Great Firewall, which restricts access to certain websites and platforms, and Russia's internet censorship laws.

Intergovernmental Organizations
Intergovernmental organizations, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), oversee global coordination and technical aspects of the internet. While these organizations aim to ensure the stability and interoperability of the internet, concerns about bias arise due to the diverse interests and power dynamics among member states.

Private Corporations
Large technology corporations, including Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft, wield significant influence over the internet. These companies control platforms, search engines, social media networks, and cloud infrastructure that billions of users rely on daily. Their algorithms and content moderation policies have the potential to introduce bias by favoring certain viewpoints, suppressing dissent, or amplifying misinformation. The concentration of power in a few dominant players raises concerns about the monopolization of information and stifling of competition.

Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the World Wide Web Foundation, advocate for internet freedom, digital rights, and access to information. They monitor and raise awareness about potential biases in internet governance while working to protect user privacy, combat censorship, and promote equal access to the internet. These organizations provide a counterbalance to government and corporate control, striving for a more open and inclusive internet.

Individual Users
While individual users do not exercise direct control over the internet infrastructure, their actions, preferences, and demands shape the online landscape. User-generated content, social media interactions, and online activism influence the narratives and discussions taking place on the internet. However, the influence of individual users is constrained by the algorithms and policies implemented by the platforms they use, potentially amplifying echo chambers and reinforcing biases.

Bias and Challenges
Determining the extent of bias on the internet is a complex task due to the decentralized nature of control and the vastness of online content. Bias can manifest in various forms, including political, cultural, and algorithmic biases. Political bias may arise from governments censoring information or promoting propaganda, while algorithmic bias can result from the design and training of algorithms that disproportionately impact marginalized communities or reinforce existing societal prejudices. Overcoming these biases requires transparency, accountability, and collaboration among stakeholders involved in internet governance.

Mitigating Bias
Efforts to mitigate bias on the internet involve multiple strategies and initiatives. These include:

a. Transparency and Accountability: Internet platforms can enhance transparency by disclosing their content moderation policies, algorithmic decision-making processes, and data collection practices. Independent audits and external oversight can help ensure accountability and address concerns of bias in content moderation and algorithmic systems.

b. Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity among content creators, platform moderators, and technology developers can help mitigate biases. Diverse perspectives and experiences can reduce the risk of homogeneity and create a more inclusive internet ecosystem.

c. Ethical Considerations in Algorithm Design: Developers and technologists should be mindful of potential biases when designing algorithms. This involves comprehensive testing, auditing, and ongoing evaluation to identify and address biases that may emerge.

d. User Empowerment and Digital Literacy: Promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills empowers users to navigate the internet effectively and evaluate the information they encounter. Educating users about the potential for bias and providing tools for fact-checking can help mitigate the impact of biased content.

e. Multi-stakeholder Engagement: Encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration and dialogue can foster a more inclusive and balanced approach to internet governance. This includes involving governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and individual users in decision-making processes.

Initial Conclusion
The question of who controls the internet is multifaceted, with various stakeholders playing significant roles in its governance and development. While biases exist within the internet ecosystem, efforts are underway to mitigate them through transparency, accountability, diversity, ethical algorithm design, user empowerment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Striking a balance between freedom of expression, privacy, and the need for regulation remains an ongoing challenge. Continued research, policy development, and public awareness are essential to ensure a more inclusive, unbiased, and equitable internet for all.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Considerations
a. Global Cooperation: The internet is a global network, and addressing bias requires international cooperation. Collaborative efforts among governments, organizations, and individuals from different countries are crucial to establish common standards and guidelines that promote a fair and inclusive internet.

b. Emerging Technologies: As new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things continue to evolve, their impact on bias and control in the online sphere must be carefully monitored. Ethical considerations and responsible deployment of these technologies are essential to avoid exacerbating existing biases and power imbalances.

c. Regulatory Frameworks: Governments are grappling with the need to balance internet regulation while protecting freedom of expression. Developing regulatory frameworks that address bias, misinformation, and harmful content without stifling innovation or infringing on individual rights remains a complex task.

d. User Awareness and Empowerment: Empowering internet users with the necessary skills and tools to navigate the online landscape effectively is crucial. Promoting media literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship can help individuals recognize and challenge biases, fostering a more informed and engaged digital society.

e. Evolving Governance Models: The decentralized nature of the internet calls for innovative governance models that involve multiple stakeholders. Collaborative approaches, such as multi-stakeholder forums and public consultations, can facilitate inclusive decision-making processes that address bias and ensure diverse perspectives are considered.

While it is challenging to pinpoint a single entity that controls the internet, various stakeholders exert influence over its governance. Bias exists within the internet ecosystem, originating from factors such as government control, corporate dominance, algorithmic systems, and societal prejudices. Mitigating bias requires transparency, accountability, diversity, ethical considerations, user empowerment, and multi-stakeholder engagement. Ongoing efforts are needed to address bias and ensure a more inclusive, unbiased, and equitable internet that upholds fundamental rights and values while fostering innovation and global connectivity.