W3C TAG Ethical Web Principles

See W3C TAG Ethical Web Principles on www.w3.org

Update 16 April 2023: I just wrote a bit on how the web isn’t as transparant on mobile, though web inspectors can help with that.

The web should empower an equitable, informed and interconnected society. It has been, and should continue to be, designed to enable communication and knowledge-sharing for everyone. In order for the web to continue to be beneficial to society, we need to consider the ethical implications of our work when we build web technologies, applications, and sites.

The other day, I came across W3Cs Ethical Web Principles. While I doubt it (nor any other code of ethics), can prevent mouse and abuse, it’s a good document showing what web the web is about. There also need a lot of research to overcome the trade offs that accompany some of these principles.

2.1 There is one web

Strongly agree with this. Given the trend some countries are going down attempting to claim sovereignty over the web in their territory, it shouldn’t matter where I’m viewing the web from.

2.2 The web shouldn’t cause harm to society

It’s important to keep implications of features in mind, but some things are simultaneously good and bad (knives) and at times minimizing the bad can minimize the potential good. For instance AirTags. They’re connected globally and can be tucked away increasing the likelihood you’ll find missing items. At the same time, a stalker can use this to track someone. Alerting of a foreign AirTag can mitigate this, but it also makes it easier for thieves to find.

Also, some things only become apparent after they’ve been around for a while, like ubiquitous social media.

2.3 The web must support healthy community and debate

Strongly agree with this. Some might be up in arms about freedom of speech to spread garbage which sure you have, but nobody has to listen to you. Providing tools to defend against malicious uses of tech is worthwhile. Also, garbage doesn’t really contribute to this.

Also, it would be nice if the internet could get intellectually honest debate rather that exaggerated performances and oneupmanship from all sides.

2.4 The web is for all people

Definitely this. Regardless of ability, language and background, all should be able to use the web.

2.5 Security and privacy are essential

I agree with this too but getting accurate data from users is important. Not supporting the wanton selling of user information nor leaky systems but there is very legitimate research potential from using user data and it’s even necessary for security in some cases. Inadequate logging is one of the top ten security risks after all.

You can’t ask users how they use a system since it differs from what they actually do and if you ask for permission to use certain features, they’ll typically refuse unless you intentionally make a confusing opt in. Also, constantly asking for permission to use every web feature can be fatiguing.

This area needs more research to find ways to improve privacy and services.

2.6 The web must enable freedom of expression

Strongly agree with this. There is a tendency for people to want to vanquish people they don’t like from using the web at all which might seem great until the power used against you or people you agree with. Protocols over platforms, as they say.

I’m not saying that you have a right to use a particular website or be indexed by certain services—they have a right to moderate how they see fit. It’s just that I think everyone deserves a space on the web. You don’t have to visit there if you don’t like it.

2.7 The web must make it possible to verify the information they see

Very hard to do but worth pursuing. Just that when sites attempt to do this (read the article first, crowdsourced fact checking), they really hate it. There’s the fact on how we settle the facts and whether people are equipped to do so¹.

2.8 The web must enhance individuals control and power

Again hard to do in practice but I agree. Decentralization needs a lot of UX research and it’s hard to prevent someone from harvesting all the data to nefarious ends. Also, it might make preventing harm harder as things are all over.

2.9 The web must be an environmentally sustainable platform

Especially important now. Thing is, we need to get accurate information to assess environmental impact lest we overstate our case and fall into greenwashing.

Also, while I’m all about reducing online waste, it’s far more important to focus downstream. I can swear off web fonts, blue or lighter colors all I want but it’ll do little compared to switching to clean sources of energy or low level improvements to efficiency. Actually, web specs designers and browser vendors can factor this in when they implement features.

2.10 The web is transparent

View source is worth protecting and we should be able to inspect how web processes work. This isn’t a thing on mobile yet but it should be².

2.11 The web is multi-browser, multi-OS and multi-device

The P in PWA means progressive enhancement. It’s always forgotten when talking about what feature so and so browser is missing which PWAs need to thrive. Not dismissing anticompetitive concerns, just that your shouldn’t develop on the happy path of one browser.

Doesn’t mean that all websites should look the exact same in every browser, nor that you should break your back supporting IE3. Just that I shouldn’t need web assembly to buy a train ticket.

2.12 People should be able to render web content as they want

As annoying as web blocker and ad skippers are, users can view content how they want. Your website is coming into a space they control.