In an era when the internet seems bound by the confines of monopolistic control, NGI Sargasso and the #FreeWebSearch initiative emerge as beacons of hope. They echo the original vision of the internet: an open, transparent, and equitable space for knowledge sharing and collaboration. NGI Sargasso promotes transatlantic collaboration in next-generation internet technologies, while #FreeWebSearch calls for the restoration of an open and unbiased web search. Together, these movements represent the aspirations of a global community that values innovation, transparency, and collaboration.
Inspired by the vast expanse of the Sargasso Sea, NGI Sargasso embarks on a mission to empower diverse entities, from innovative startups and SMEs to influential public bodies. Recognizing the immense potential of transatlantic collaborations spanning the EU, USA, and Canada, the initiative aspires to forge an expansive ecosystem, emphasizing knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. Their focal areas encompass trust, data sovereignty, digital identity, internet architecture, and more, with an enticing offer of up to €100,000 in equity-free funding for projects meant to revolutionize the Next Generation Internet Technologies. This not only acts as a catalyst for transformative projects but is complemented by mentorship, networking opportunities, and an unwavering support system, pushing the horizons of the internet’s future.
In tandem, the #FreeWebSearch Initiative emerges as a beacon, echoing the internet’s foundational principle: freedom and openness. It critically addresses the issues stemming from the opaque algorithms of dominant search engines, spotlighting their inherent biases and gaps in diversity. With the unwavering support of the Open Search Foundation, the movement champions an open web search index, establishing a foundation for a transparent and diversified web search. This shift is paramount for the evolution of large language models and AI technologies rooted in transparency and upholding European values.
Both NGI Sargasso and #FreeWebSearch, while maintaining their unique identities, resonate with a collective dream: an internet ecosystem that’s open, transparent, and fueled by collaboration. As these initiatives relentlessly work to uphold these core values, they are not just igniting innovations but shaping a digital landscape that’s equitable and inclusive.
As we approach #FreeWebSearch Day on 29 September and the subsequent week of activities until 6 October 2023, let’s join hands to propel this transformative journey forward, shaping an internet that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Want to know more about #FreeWebSearchDay? Head to their website: https://freewebsearch.org/de/