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Reweaving the Web: How together we can create a human-centered Internet of trust
What exactly is wrong with the World Wide Web?
Since its inception in the mid-90s, the Web has allowed billions of people globally to connect, share information, do business, and be entertained. While online platform companies like Facebook have used the Web to provide useful services like social media, their true focus is on surveilling us, extracting and analyzing our personal data, and manipulating our behaviors.
The result? A trustless online environment filled with creepy ads, misinformation, pernicious bots, and more. What, if anything, can be done to weave a new Web? In this ground-breaking book, Richard Whitt, former longtime policy attorney at Google, describes what our digital future could look like—and crucially how we can get there from here. His carefully researched analysis shows how a new profession of Net fiduciaries can serve each of us under duties of care, good faith, and loyalty. In turn, these trustworthy entities can arm us with advanced “edgetech,” like authentic personal AI agents which can protect, enhance, and promote our best interests, both online and offline. This hopeful scenario need not be science fiction.
Reweaving the Web lays out concrete steps that each of us can take to make that promising future a reality.
“Definitely thought-provoking!” – Vint Cerf, Co-father of the Internet
“A deeply thoughtful framework for a future where technology enhances rather than erodes our humanity.” – Vilas S. Dhar, President, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
“Richard Whitt brilliantly and meticulously constructs GliaNet, a complete trust-based overlay of the Web, where each of us enjoys autonomy and agency.” – Susan Ness, Distinguished Fellow, Annenberg Public Policy Center
“As Richard’s book demonstrates, we can still create a web that serves the many and not just the few.” – Mark Surman, President, Mozilla Foundation
“Whitt doesn't just critique; he offers a bold, actionable vision for a digital landscape built on respect, pro-social incentives, and individual agency. Reweaving the Web shows us ways in which we could actively craft a more empowering digital future.” – Tui Shaub Cord, Principal, Omidyar Network
“Whitt's blending of economics, historical context, and solution sets makes Reweaving the Web a must-read for policymakers on Capitol Hill and in state capitals alike. For that matter the book is essential reading for anyone serious about the future of digital governance and personal agency." – Tim Lordan, Executive Director, Internet Education Foundation
“Richard Whitt brilliantly gives us a glimpse of a brighter digital future we can all support.” – Jonathan Cohen, Wilkinson Barker & Knauer
Since its inception in the mid-90s, the Web has allowed billions of people globally to connect, share information, do business, and be entertained. While online platform companies like Facebook have used the Web to provide useful services like social media, their true focus is on surveilling us, extracting and analyzing our personal data, and manipulating our behaviors.
The result? A trustless online environment filled with creepy ads, misinformation, pernicious bots, and more. What, if anything, can be done to weave a new Web? In this ground-breaking book, Richard Whitt, former longtime policy attorney at Google, describes what our digital future could look like—and crucially how we can get there from here. His carefully researched analysis shows how a new profession of Net fiduciaries can serve each of us under duties of care, good faith, and loyalty. In turn, these trustworthy entities can arm us with advanced “edgetech,” like authentic personal AI agents which can protect, enhance, and promote our best interests, both online and offline. This hopeful scenario need not be science fiction.
Reweaving the Web lays out concrete steps that each of us can take to make that promising future a reality.
“Definitely thought-provoking!” – Vint Cerf, Co-father of the Internet
“A deeply thoughtful framework for a future where technology enhances rather than erodes our humanity.” – Vilas S. Dhar, President, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
“Richard Whitt brilliantly and meticulously constructs GliaNet, a complete trust-based overlay of the Web, where each of us enjoys autonomy and agency.” – Susan Ness, Distinguished Fellow, Annenberg Public Policy Center
“As Richard’s book demonstrates, we can still create a web that serves the many and not just the few.” – Mark Surman, President, Mozilla Foundation
“Whitt doesn't just critique; he offers a bold, actionable vision for a digital landscape built on respect, pro-social incentives, and individual agency. Reweaving the Web shows us ways in which we could actively craft a more empowering digital future.” – Tui Shaub Cord, Principal, Omidyar Network
“Whitt's blending of economics, historical context, and solution sets makes Reweaving the Web a must-read for policymakers on Capitol Hill and in state capitals alike. For that matter the book is essential reading for anyone serious about the future of digital governance and personal agency." – Tim Lordan, Executive Director, Internet Education Foundation
“Richard Whitt brilliantly gives us a glimpse of a brighter digital future we can all support.” – Jonathan Cohen, Wilkinson Barker & Knauer
444 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 30, 2025
Ever feel like the internet has slowly turned into a creepy carnival of ads, bots, and people shouting into the void? Yeah same. In Reweaving the Web, Richard Whitt pulls back the curtain on how Big Tech turned the World Wide Web from a digital utopia into a data-hungry surveillance machine.
With the sharp eye of a former Google policy insider, Richard dives deep into the web’s evolution and how online platforms, instead of just helping us connect, decided to track everything we do. The result? A trust vacuum where users are basically the product.
But here’s where it gets good. Richard lays out a new path forward with ideas that actually make sense. Picture this: “Net fiduciaries” who work for us (not for ad money), and personal AI agents that protect our data like digital bodyguards.
What makes this book a standout is its optimism. Richard’s not just ranting about the mess we’ve heard enough of that. He’s giving us tools, frameworks, and real-world steps to take back the internet. If you’ve ever wondered whether a better digital future is even possible, this book says: yes, but we’ve got work to do.
If you care even a little about privacy, agency, or what the internet will look like in 10 years, add this to your shelf ASAP.
With the sharp eye of a former Google policy insider, Richard dives deep into the web’s evolution and how online platforms, instead of just helping us connect, decided to track everything we do. The result? A trust vacuum where users are basically the product.
But here’s where it gets good. Richard lays out a new path forward with ideas that actually make sense. Picture this: “Net fiduciaries” who work for us (not for ad money), and personal AI agents that protect our data like digital bodyguards.
What makes this book a standout is its optimism. Richard’s not just ranting about the mess we’ve heard enough of that. He’s giving us tools, frameworks, and real-world steps to take back the internet. If you’ve ever wondered whether a better digital future is even possible, this book says: yes, but we’ve got work to do.
If you care even a little about privacy, agency, or what the internet will look like in 10 years, add this to your shelf ASAP.
December 18, 2024
Richard Whitt's Reweaving the Web is a timely and insightful exploration of the urgent need to reshape our digital landscape. With a keen eye for the pitfalls of the current internet, Whitt offers a compelling vision for a future where technology truly serves humanity.
What sets this book apart is its practical approach. Whitt introduces the concept of "Net fiduciaries," trusted entities that prioritize user well-being over profit. These fiduciaries, armed with advanced "edgetech," would empower individuals with tools to protect their privacy, enhance their online experiences, and reclaim control over their digital lives.
The book is not just a critique of the status quo but a roadmap for a more equitable and empowering digital future. Whitt's meticulous research and clear explanations make complex technical concepts accessible to a wide audience.
Highly recommended for anyone concerned about the future of the internet, Reweaving the Web is a must-read for policymakers, technologists, and everyday internet users alike.
What sets this book apart is its practical approach. Whitt introduces the concept of "Net fiduciaries," trusted entities that prioritize user well-being over profit. These fiduciaries, armed with advanced "edgetech," would empower individuals with tools to protect their privacy, enhance their online experiences, and reclaim control over their digital lives.
The book is not just a critique of the status quo but a roadmap for a more equitable and empowering digital future. Whitt's meticulous research and clear explanations make complex technical concepts accessible to a wide audience.
Highly recommended for anyone concerned about the future of the internet, Reweaving the Web is a must-read for policymakers, technologists, and everyday internet users alike.
June 30, 2025
I really like the idea and aligns with the mission detailed, but this does not need to be 400 pages.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews