The document discusses the need for open and distributed alternatives to centralized online services that are controlled by corporations and do not give users freedom and control over their data. It proposes that developers create free and open source replacements for popular services, that service providers use free software and make user data available to users, and that users consider self-hosted or federated options where they have control. The goal is to develop autonomous and sustainable open services and software following the principles of free software and open standards.
20. The modern person's primary concern in using a computer is to get things done and stay connected with others globally in the most effective ways possible.
53. Make data and works of authorship available to service’s users under legal terms and in formats that enable the users to move and use their data outside of a service. * Users should control their private data. * Data available to all users of the service should be available under terms approved for Free Cultural Works or Open Knowledge.
55. Consider carefully whether to use software on someone else’s computer at all. Where it is possible, they should use Free Software equivalents that run on their own computer. Services may have substantial benefits, but they represent a loss of control for users and introduce several problems of freedom.
56. When deciding whether to use a network service, look for services that follow the guidelines listed above, so that, when necessary, they still have the freedom to modify or replicate the service without losing their own data.
57. The Social Web Should Work Like the Document Web: Distributed Open standards Easy linking Ubiquitous Multiple implementations Identity (OpenID)