Author and activist Cory Doctorow is on a mission to highlight the shortcomings of online digital platforms and advocate for a better internet. His latest book, titled "Enshittification," introduces a term he coined to describe the decline of online services. Doctorow, known for his ability to explain complex digital concepts to a general audience, is currently on a book tour across North America, the U.K., and Portugal.

In a recent online conversation, Doctorow appeared eager to discuss the state of the digital landscape, despite showing signs of fatigue after arriving in Seattle for an event. His busy schedule includes a stop at the Vancouver Writer’s Festival and a keynote address at The Attention Forum: Govern or be Governed conference in Montreal, where he will share the stage with notable figures, including Canada’s minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

Doctorow, who was born in Toronto and now resides in Los Angeles, is not just sharing tales of digital challenges. He is closely monitoring developments in Canada’s tech and AI sectors, identifying issues, and proposing solutions to improve digital public infrastructure. When asked about the concept of enshittification in Canada, he expressed concern that the country has missed opportunities to establish itself as a global digital leader. "We dropped the ball on market concentration," he stated, criticizing the Competition Bureau for being ineffective until recent legislative changes.

The merger of two major Canadian telecom companies, Shaw and Rogers, was finalized in 2023, coinciding with the modernization of Canada’s competition laws. Doctorow questioned why Canada does not yet have a strong domestic social media platform, noting that Gander Social, a Canadian alternative to U.S.-based platforms, is still in beta testing.

He emphasized the importance of decentralized networks, stating, "We don’t all have to be on the same server." He pointed out that the recent Amazon outage demonstrated the risks of centralized systems. Doctorow argued for public investment in digital infrastructure, likening it to the need for bike lanes rather than just bicycles on the road.

Doctorow also addressed the challenges faced by small businesses and communities in creating social media platforms, highlighting the need for security audits and content moderation tools. He proposed mechanisms to facilitate users' transition from existing platforms to new ones, likening the current situation to West Germans building housing for East Germans without considering how they would cross the wall.

In the recent federal budget, funds were allocated for public AI infrastructure and Canadian-made AI tools. Doctorow suggested bold measures for the Canadian government, including legalizing reverse engineering to allow modifications of technology without needing permission from manufacturers. He criticized the restrictions imposed by American tech companies, stating, "You cannot make an ad blocker for an app. You cannot modify your phone so it uses a third-party app store."

He humorously suggested that to challenge tech moguls like Elon Musk, Canada should allow mechanics to jailbreak Teslas, enabling users to access software upgrades without paying American companies. Doctorow also called for renegotiation of trade agreements that prevent the disclosure of source code and algorithmic details, arguing for transparency in technology.

On the topic of artificial intelligence, Doctorow expressed caution, stating, "AI is the asbestos we are shoveling into the walls of our society, and our descendants will be digging it out for generations." While he acknowledged the potential benefits of AI in various professions, he warned that AI could be used to justify job cuts.

Doctorow's engaging communication style makes complex ideas accessible, and he challenges audiences to consider the implications of Big Tech's influence. He poses a critical question: if society understands the extent of exploitation by these companies, "is the juice worth the squeeze?"