news

more

Lockdown

What role will computers play in the war over human freedom?

A close-up image of a wall covered with numerous black computer keyboard keys, showcasing a variety of letters and symbols.
23rd November 2013
| Cory Doctorow is a science fiction author, activist, journalist and blogger — the co-editor of Boing Boing and the author of Chokepoint Capitalism.
3,509 words
Read time: approx. 18 mins

General-purpose computers are astounding. Even the most apparently straight-forward home computers are so astounding that our society still struggles to come to grips with them, what they're for, how to accommodate them, and how to cope with them. This is most apparent when it comes to the complex relationship between technology (especially the internet) and law, but is also an issue of increasing in the spheres of politics, privacy and surveillance.

Cory Doctorow
23rd November 2013

Want to continue reading?

Get unlimited access to insights from the world's leading thinkers.

Browse our subscription plans and subscribe to read more.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Log in

Latest Releases
cracking the code for thought

Cracking the code for thought

FINAL FINAL FINAL steve fuller

The strange search for knowledge in the age of post-truth, with Steve Fuller

we do not discover reality we create it

We do not discover reality, we create it

Join the conversation

Tony Banks 2 August 2023

Wow, the fact that you wrote this in 2013 blows my mind. Lockdowns are good excuse for taking away freedom, but I'm glad I was comfortable during the great lockdowns of 2023. After so much sadness I try my best to focus on little things every day, because too much negative news eats at your soul. But scientifically speaking I guess I'd have to say take little gains and appreciate them while you can. Relax and be thankful! For instance just a little thing during the lockdown like getting my fridge fixed by the staff at Appliance Repair Victoria in Victoria BC was a blessing. Because the sky is beautiful even during wartime, and if we lose we must remember and be grateful while we're here.

Reply

Khyali Ram 22 August 2019

nice
[url="https://www.test.com/"]test[/url]

Reply