The internet was initially developed for government purposes, primarily for defense and research. However, with the advent of the World Wide Web in the 1990s, the internet began to be used for commercial purposes. Businesses started to create websites to promote their products and services, and e-commerce emerged. This led to the rise of internet companies and a shift in power dynamics. Today, a handful of these companies control a significant portion of the internet.

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Move Fast and Break Things: How Facebook, Google, and Amazon Cornered Culture and Undermined Democracy

Ever wonder why Silicon Valley seems omnipotent in every arena, not only in technology and business but also in government, public policy, academia, t...

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Today, a handful of powerful companies control the internet. But it is important to remember that the internet was initially developed first for government purposes, and later, with the intention of greater democratization and equality. With the commercialization of the internet came a rise in the power of these new internet companies' heads.

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Potential solutions to the problems caused by the rise of internet companies could include implementing stricter regulations and laws to control their power, promoting competition by supporting smaller businesses, and encouraging transparency in their operations. Additionally, users can be educated about data privacy and digital rights, and governments can invest in public digital infrastructure to reduce dependency on these companies.

The commercialization of the internet has led to a concentration of power in a few large companies, which can lead to issues such as monopolistic practices, privacy concerns, and unequal access to information. It has also transformed the way businesses operate, enabling global reach and instant communication, but also creating new challenges such as cybersecurity threats.

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