In this video interview with Doug Rushcoff for the excellent BBC Virtual Revolution series he explores the nature of the web as free.

Are we conforming our web identities to a “completely formatted” and predictable existence on the web using tools like the market friendly presence of a facebook page as opposed to the freeform and often chaotic nature of myspace profiles? “You know, what we've done is moved from personal, human, open-ended self-expression to completely market and computer-friendly regimented and conformist expression”?

Google wants every system to be open. But what Google really want is every system to be open to Google so that Google can serve ads through every piece of technology. You know, the same way that the World Bank says, 'Oh, we want to give money to all these developing nations as long as they open their markets to first world activity. That means, we're going to give them money so that they allow a factory to be opened on their land, you know, we're going to give them money so they have the privilege of paying us back with interest.'

“Things are free and things are devalued now”.

Doug Rushkoff interview below:

BBC Digital Revolution licence

All interview clips & rushes from the BBC Virtual Revolution series available here.

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