Jaron Lanier's Proposed New Economy: Feasibility and Implementation

As I delved into Jaron Lanier's seminal work on the new economy, his ideas have struck a chord. His solution of compensating all content creators and providers of personal data is innovative and has substantial merit. However, there is a legitimate concern that its implementation might be too late. Despite the technical viability, a drastic shift might be required for it to be successful.

Technical Feasibility: A Close Look

Technically speaking, Lanier's model can be realized by linking back to original content and facilitating micropayments. By creating a system where users can trace the origin of content and make small payments, the core infrastructure to support content creation could be established. This approach leverages blockchain technology for verification and transactions, ensuring transparency and security.

This idea is not entirely novel. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have proved the potential of micropayments, albeit in a more generalized format. If adapted to content creation and personal data sharing, such a system could revolutionize the way we consume and produce information. The blockchain ensures that each transaction is meticulously recorded and verifiable, providing a strong foundation for trust and accountability.

The Roadblocks to Implementation

Despite the technical viability, the major challenge lies in the established players in the tech industry. Lanier refers to these dominant entities as 'siren servers,' highlighting their monopolistic nature and the difficulty in changing existing business models. These companies have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, as their success is largely due to the lack of such compensatory mechanisms.

To implement Lanier's proposal, it would require a significant shift in the current power dynamics. New service providers would need to emerge and compete with these siren servers. This transition is not only challenging but also risky, given the extensive resources and market leverage of the existing giants.

A Viable Alternative: Emerging Service Providers

However, there is hope for a new set of service providers. These could innovate around micropayments and digital identities, offering a seamless and secure alternative to the current systems. A new business model that focuses on individual user control and support for content creators could gain traction.

Lanier proposes that every individual should have their own official digital identity, akin to a social security number. This would enable personalized interactions and micropayments. Users could open digital bank accounts from a range of suppliers, making and receiving small payments. This system would not only enhance user privacy but also empower content creators by providing them with direct financial incentives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Jaron Lanier's proposed new economy is technically feasible, its implementation faces significant hurdles. A drastic shift in business models would be required, making it a daunting task to compete with established monopolies. Emerging service providers, however, hold the key to a successful transition. By focusing on innovative solutions such as digital identities and micropayments, these providers can challenge the existing system and create a fairer economic environment.

The road ahead is ambitious but not impossible. By addressing these challenges and leveraging new technologies, a revolution in the economy of content creation and data sharing is within reach.