The timeline outlines a gradual erosion of digital freedom from 2011 to 2035, where increasingly stringent regulations and technical restrictions are imposed on software and internet usage. Key events include the banning of VPNs, mandatory government approval for messaging apps, the enforcement of digital rights management (DRM), and the introduction of Web Environment Integrity (WEI) checks by major tech companies. By 2035, messaging apps require government approval, and non-compliant browsers face significant access hurdles. The timeline highlights a trend towards greater control and surveillance in digital environments, reflecting concerns about user autonomy and privacy.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Control Over Messaging Apps | Messaging apps require government approval for publication in most countries by 2035. | Shift from unrestricted app publication to government-regulated messaging services. | In 10 years, messaging apps may heavily censor content or prioritize state-approved information. | Increasing concerns over misinformation and desire for tighter communication control by governments. | 5 |
| Outlawing of VPNs | VPNs face worldwide outlawing by 2034, limiting users’ privacy and access. | Transition from widespread VPN usage to illegal status, affecting user privacy. | Privacy-conscious individuals may seek alternative methods or use underground networks. | Governments’ efforts to enhance surveillance and control over internet access. | 5 |
| Mandatory DRM for Media Players | Media player apps must implement DRM checks to be published by 2033. | Shift from free media access to restricted playback based on DRM compliance. | Increased monopolization of media distribution, limiting consumer choice and rights. | Content creators’ push for protecting intellectual property against piracy. | 4 |
| Chrome’s Shift to Government Blocklists | By 2031, Chrome will block websites based on government-provided lists. | Users will transition from open internet access to government-filtered browsing. | Internet freedom may be severely restricted, with access limited to sanctioned content. | Governments’ need for control over information flow and national security. | 5 |
| Permanent ‘S Mode’ on Windows 14 Home | Windows 14 Home enforces ‘S mode’, limiting software installation by 2029. | Shift from an open software environment to a more controlled, subscription-based access. | Users may find their computing experience severely limited without subscriptions. | Microsoft’s aim to streamline security and ensure a consistent user experience. | 4 |
| Ad-Blocking Extensions Banned | By 2028, Chrome will ban ad-blocking extensions, enforcing ad consumption. | Transition from user control over ads to forced advertisement exposure. | Advertising revenue models may dominate online experiences, frustrating users. | Advertisers and corporations pushing for uninterrupted revenue streams. | 3 |
| Web Environment Integrity (WEI) Checks | WEI checks by Google and Apple mark non-compliant sites as insecure by 2027. | Shift from user choice to enforced compliance in browser security measures. | Web development might prioritize compliance over user experience or freedom. | The tech industry’s focus on security and user data protection. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Erosion of Digital Freedom | Government control over critical applications limits user freedom and choice in digital communications. | 5 |
| Global Outlawing of VPNs | The worldwide ban on VPNs restricts privacy and anonymity online, posing a threat to freedom of expression. | 5 |
| Media Control via DRM | Mandatory DRM checks for media apps hinder user rights and access to content. | 4 |
| Marginalization of Linux Users | The exclusion of Linux support by major browsers limits access for a significant user base. | 4 |
| Increased Surveillance through WEI | The implementation of Web Environment Integrity checks increases government surveillance capabilities. | 5 |
| Third-party App Restrictions | Permanent restrictions on third-party apps in operating systems diminish software diversity and innovation. | 5 |
| Censorship of Information | Government-provided blocklists and content filtering may lead to censorship of legitimate information. | 5 |
| Dependency on Major Platforms | Reliance on app stores and major platforms can lead to monopolistic practices and limited alternatives. | 4 |
| Inequity in User Experience | Reputation scoring systems may disadvantage users based on compliance, creating a tiered access system. | 4 |
| Security Justifications for Control | The justification of app and browser restrictions under security pretenses could be misused to undermine user privacy. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Government Regulation of Digital Applications | Messaging apps and email clients require government approval before publication, indicating increased governmental control over digital communication. | 5 |
| Outlawing of VPNs | VPNs are outlawed worldwide, limiting users’ ability to maintain privacy and security online. | 5 |
| Mandatory DRM Implementation | Media player apps must implement DRM checks, reflecting a trend towards tighter control over digital content consumption. | 5 |
| Web Environment Integrity Checks | Browsers implement WEI checks, which restrict access to non-compliant websites and apps, affecting user freedom. | 5 |
| Permanent S Mode in Windows | Windows 14 Home permanently restricts execution of third-party apps, consolidating control over software usage. | 5 |
| Blocking Ad-Blocking Extensions | Ad-blocking extensions are banned from app stores, pushing users towards accepting advertisements. | 4 |
| User Reputation Scoring | Major websites start using WEI API for internal user reputation scoring, influencing user access based on compliance. | 4 |
| Mandatory Device Integrity Checks | Hardware-based integrity checks on devices limit users’ ability to use alternative software configurations. | 4 |
| Legislative Proposals for Content Filtering | Proposals for laws that impose content filtering on user-to-user services reflect growing regulatory influence over digital communication. | 4 |
| Market Shift to ARM-based Systems | The rise of ARM-based Windows machines indicates a shift in hardware architecture preferences and potential software compatibility issues. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Web Environment Integrity (WEI) | A system that ensures web applications comply with government regulations and security standards before they can be accessed. | 5 |
| Private Access Tokens | A validation mechanism for web requests ensuring that only legitimate devices can make requests. | 4 |
| TPM 2.0 | A hardware-based security standard that ensures trusted computing by requiring a hardware module on devices. | 5 |
| Hardware-based device integrity checks | Checks that validate the integrity of devices at the hardware level, limiting the use of alternative software. | 4 |
| Notarization of apps | A process by which applications are verified for security before being allowed to run on platforms like MacOS. | 4 |
| Digital Rights Management (DRM) checks | Requirements for media applications to implement DRM to control how digital content is used and distributed. | 4 |
| Bootloader locking | A security feature that restricts the ability to modify the device’s operating system, enhancing security but limiting user control. | 4 |
| Content filtering legislation | Government regulations that require platforms to enforce content filtering, impacting user-to-user services. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Government Control Over Digital Communication | By 2035, messaging apps require government approval, limiting digital freedom and privacy. | 5 |
| Outlawing of VPNs | The worldwide ban on VPNs by 2034 raises concerns over online privacy and censorship. | 5 |
| Mandatory DRM for Media Applications | By 2033, media players must implement DRM, impacting user rights and access to content. | 4 |
| Decline of Linux Support | Chrome’s support for Linux ends in 2032, potentially harming Linux users and developers. | 4 |
| Government Blocklists in Browsers | Implementation of government blocklists in browsers by 2031 raises issues of censorship and control. | 5 |
| Permanent Lockdown of Windows Apps | Windows 14’s permanent S mode by 2029 restricts third-party app usage, affecting software freedom. | 5 |
| Ban on Ad-blocking Extensions | The 2028 ban on ad-blockers in Chrome signifies growing commercial interests over user choice. | 4 |
| Increased Captchas for Non-compliance | By 2024, non-WEI compliant browsers face more captchas, complicating user access to information. | 3 |
| User Reputation Scoring by Major Platforms | Major sites using WEI for user reputation scoring by 2024 threatens user privacy and autonomy. | 4 |
| Online Safety Legislation Impacting Freedom | The Online Safety Bill in the UK proposes content filtering, raising concerns about freedom of expression. | 4 |