The punks trying to reclaim the internet from 'big tech'

In a Melbourne rental, a small device sits in a dining room, its function clear: "use in case of climate breakdown." This device, a Raspberry Pi, could become a vital lifeline for Jade Ambrose's local community during power and internet outages, which are expected to increase due to climate change. Ambrose is part of Merri-bek Tech, a group that wants to install renewable-powered servers in community hubs.

These hubs would provide digital services to the community, even during outages. While 20 people have signed up to have devices in their homes, securing community locations to host them remains a challenge. Ambrose's plan to use open-source software to synchronize across multiple locations is not yet operational. This initiative is part of a global movement aiming to create resilient, environmentally friendly alternatives to big tech.

This movement, known as digital sovereignty, is about individuals and organizations controlling their own infrastructure, software, and hardware. This idea is gaining traction, particularly in response to the dominance of a few tech companies. Europe is leading this charge, aiming to reduce dependence on non-EU cloud infrastructure and software.

Australia, however, lags behind in developing its own alternatives, making it vulnerable to geopolitical tensions surrounding digital infrastructure. While these DIY alternatives offer pros and cons, they provide everyday users with options to break free from the control of major tech companies.