#Paradox of Open

The concept of openness was born out of the idea that resources should be openly shared among the public and not concentrated in the hands of a powerful few. However, openness can also be exploited by those who wish to centralize and control access to resources. We are working with advocates and stewards to develop new strategies for openness that will help it stay true to its origins.

Open sharing is one of the most powerful ways to fight against the exclusive control over information. Thus, its democratizing potential is vital to build a more just digital society. In seeking ways to ensure the redistribution of value in digital public spaces, we aim to strengthen the Digital Commons and to protect it against exploitation. This entails balancing openness with other societal values and creating new methods for the governance of resources that should be available to all.