The text outlines a speculative timeline of events related to digital freedom and government control. It starts with the notion that messaging apps and email clients become critical applications requiring government approval before publication. VPNs are then outlawed worldwide, followed by media player apps needing to implement DRM checks for publication. Chrome drops support for Linux, citing difficulties in satisfying Web Environment Integrity checks. It also mentions Chrome shipping with website blocklists provided by local governments, and the market share of ARM-based Windows machines overtaking x86_64. Windows 14 Home introduces a permanent “S mode” and ad-blocking extensions are banned from the Chrome store. Non-compliant websites are marked as “insecure” and Google removes the ability to install Android apps from outside the Play store. Major websites start using Google’s WEI API for user reputation scoring.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2035: Messaging apps require government approval | Control over digital communication | Limited privacy and freedom of expression | Government regulation and surveillance |
| 2034: VPNs mostly outlawed worldwide | Restricted access to online content | Limited ability to bypass censorship and access restricted content | Government control and censorship |
| 2033: Media player apps require DRM checks | Restricted access to media content | Limited ability to share and consume media freely | Copyright protection and anti-piracy measures |
| 2032: Chrome drops support for Linux | Decreased compatibility with Linux | Linux becomes less relevant as a desktop OS | Technical limitations and prioritization of other platforms |
| 2031: Chrome ships with government blocklists | Restricted access to certain websites | Increased government control over internet access | Government regulation and censorship |
| 2030: ARM-based Windows machines overtake x86_64 | Shift in dominant computer architecture | Increased reliance on ARM-based devices | Advancements in ARM technology and market demand |
| 2029: Windows 14 Home makes “S mode” permanent | Restricted app execution on Windows | Limited ability to install third-party apps | Security and control over software ecosystem |
| 2028: Ad-blocking extensions banned from Chrome store | Limited ability to block online ads | Increased monetization for online publishers | Advertiser and publisher interests |
| 2027: Non-WEI compliant websites marked as “insecure” | Increased emphasis on website security | Limited access to non-compliant websites | Security and protection of users |
| 2026: Windows 12 releases with “S mode” enabled by default | Restricted app execution on Windows | Limited ability to install third-party apps | Security and control over software ecosystem |
| 2025: Google restricts installation of Android apps | Limited ability to install apps outside Play store | Increased security and control over app distribution | Security concerns and protection of users |
| 2024: Major websites use Google’s WEI API for user scoring | Increased user reputation scoring | Limited access and privacy on non-compliant browsers | User trust and security measures |