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The Simple Goal

Our goal is not unique nor original sinceas it is simply equivalent to many other amazing initiatives. Just likeLike others we want to create a collaborative instead of a competitive unequal society that we have today. We live in a system that promises opportunity, yet in practice amplifies inequality. Starting points are unequal, and because wealth generates more wealth, advantages compound over time. Access to capital, knowledge, and networks determines who gets ahead—and who gets left behind. The issue is not merely wealthy individuals, but a global system of capital and institutions designed to concentrate ownership over time. If you want to have a little 101 economics explanation of how this came about then please check our Status Quo chapter, but for now we recognize that the problem exists. 

So how do we solve such a global problem ? To put it quite bluntly, we believe that each for profit organization should eventually become a non profit. This is obviously easier said than done, because well how are you going to survive if you spend your time volunteering for non profit organizations. On top of that not all sectors of the working life are as enjoyable to volunteer for as others, and not everyone has the time to volunteer even if they wanted to. We recognize these problems and therefore it won't be a switch over night. It will be a gradual process with lots of hick ups and obstacles on it's way but well that is also what makes it worth fighting for. 

As stated, due to the economic system not everyone is as privileged with free time to work on this goal than others. We must recognize that if you are in a privileged position e.g you are from a rich country, have wealthy parents, are a student, can work part time to survive or you are retired then you will have the time to contribute to such a collaborative society. However, we must recognize that the more non profit organizations that exist the more likely others can gain time to contribute as well.

So where to start this journey ? Well, the lowest hanging fruit in this space are sectors where people can create massive impact with the least amount of effort. This space is by far the BIG TECH sector, because it is the sector that is the most wealthy, all other sectors are built on top of it, it replaces/disrupts peoples jobs, but most of all it is the easiest one to fight with a small effort of each individual. The idea is this, if you can change the most influential sector in this world then other sectors will follow suit. It is not a surprise that Deternet is focused on this. 

The initiative
The Deternet initiative seeks to build a global digital commons—one that is decentralized, open source, and collectively owned. This ecosystem would span hardware, software, telecommunications, hosting, and power infrastructure on a worldwide scale. Its approach centers on empowering a network of interconnected local hubs by providing them with the resources, knowledge, and support needed to grow and sustain this shared infrastructure. 

Each hub would take responsibility for developing and maintaining systems within its region, while also helping individuals transition toward open-source tools and services in their everyday digital lives. The broader vision is to create ecosystems that function like open internet protocols—accessible to anyone, shaped by contributors everywhere, and free from centralized control. In this sense, it mirrors technologies like HTTPS, IPFS, Bittorent and DNS: universal standards that remain open rather than being owned by large tech corporations. 

While much of the necessary infrastructure already exists, it is currently concentrated in the hands of a few dominant players. Part of the initiative’s mission, therefore, is to encourage established companies to participate and support this shift. This may be challenging, but with enough momentum, a decentralized movement could reach a tipping point—where organizations are faced with a choice: adapt and join, or risk becoming irrelevant.
If
The rest of this paper will discuss briefly these 5 different sectors that make the tech and therefore our modern society run. However, if you arewant interestedgo in depth and actually contribute to one or more of these sectors than enjoy the dedicated websites, community and documentation pages we have made for each of them. That is were you will find specifics, project roadmaps and contribution guidelines. 
Software
We said that Big Tech is the easiest to change to a non profit compared to all the other sectors. Now, that statement is largely built on the software aspect of the digital infrastructure. That is because software can basically be replicated for free without others loosing access to it. That makes it a non rivalry good i.e no scarcity. However, why do we then have all these for profit applications that either charge a fee, extract all your personal data or they do both ;) ?

What about governments ?

Now, we could also say why not let governments solve this problem ? Well governments still work in the current economic systems. Even if public infrastructure is created then there is again a for profit company hired, paid by the public to build and maintain the infrastructure. Then we don't change the system, since it is not publicly owned and maintained but only publicly funded. The goal of Deternet is to create true non profits where people voluntary contribute their time and resources to make this happen. We need to be able to show that a non profit can exist and run without the backing of governmental support.