Web 2.0, Privacy, and Internet Governance: Key Concepts and Technologies

What is the primary characteristic of Web 2.0?

Websites became interactive, allowing users to submit their own information rather than just consuming static content.

Why is the term 'Web 2.0' considered a potential misnomer?

Because the underlying structure of the web was not actually altered; rather, the content of webpages became interactive.

What are three ways 'Big Tech' companies monetize user data?

1) Providing targeted ad campaigns, 2) directing targeted information or misinformation, and 3) selling user data.

What is cloud computing?

A technology that allows users to access computing resources, such as software or storage, from other computers via the Internet.

What is a common privacy concern regarding cloud storage services?

Users often do not realize that metadata (when and where they uploaded) and the actual contents of their files are tracked to build personal data profiles.

How do 'free' web services generate profit?

They generate profit by tracking user data and selling that information to advertisers and other interested parties.

What are the major companies that dominate the social media landscape?

Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Google (YouTube), Microsoft (LinkedIn), TikTok, and Snapchat.

What is a 'filter bubble'?

A state of intellectual isolation that occurs when algorithms selectively guess what information a user would like to see based on their past search history and clicks.

Who coined the term 'Filter Bubbles'?

Internet activist Eli Pariser.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

The network of physical devices, such as thermostats and appliances, that were previously not connected to the Internet but have been remodeled to include connectivity.

What is a major benefit of the Internet of Things?

It solves practical problems by allowing users to monitor and control devices remotely via apps and improves inventory tracking.

What is a major risk associated with the Internet of Things?

It presents significant privacy and security problems due to increased data collection by the companies that provide the services.

What is Net Neutrality?

The principle that all sites on the Internet should be given equal bandwidth, regardless of their content or ownership.

What does Net Neutrality prevent ISPs from doing?

It prevents Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from favoring or blocking particular websites or slowing down access to specific content.

What is a primary argument in favor of Net Neutrality?

It keeps the Internet democratic and egalitarian, preventing large companies from creating 'tiered' access where only those who pay more get faster service.

What is a primary argument against Net Neutrality?

Critics argue it inhibits technological investment and that the Internet should be allowed to evolve in a free market without government oversight.

What happened in the U.S. regarding Net Neutrality in January 2025?

The Biden administration's attempt to classify the Internet as a public telecommunications service, which would have enabled federal enforcement of Net Neutrality, was denied.

How has social media impacted the government's ability to control the flow of information?

It has changed the government's ability to control information, allowing stories to be sold to the highest bidder and contributing to the spread of misinformation.

What is the relationship between search history and targeted advertising?

Websites use tracking cookies and beacons to monitor searches, allowing them to target users with specific ads based on their recent interests or concerns.

Why is the documentary 'The Social Dilemma' relevant to the study of Web 2.0?

It explores the societal impacts of social media, data collection, and the psychological effects of algorithms.

What is the 'open network' vision of the Internet?

The initial vision of the Internet as a democratic network for sharing academic learning and information freely.

How does the lack of Net Neutrality potentially affect smaller companies?

Smaller companies may be unable to compete if larger companies can pay for faster bandwidth or prioritize their own content over competitors.

What is an example of an IoT device?

Thermostats, doorbells, door openers, security systems, and vacuums.

What is the primary goal of Internet governance?

To manage the Internet to prevent malicious interference and ensure economic, social, and personal welfare, while balancing market demands.

What is the danger of 'tiered' Internet access?

It could lead to an Internet that is less democratic, where large corporations control the speed and availability of content.

How does the CRTC in Canada approach net neutrality?

The CRTC treats the internet like a utility, requiring companies to treat all content equally and prohibiting practices like throttling competitors' websites.

What is the primary goal of Canada's Online Streaming Act?

To align streaming content with Canadian content requirements, ensuring local and culturally diverse content is created and easily discoverable.

What does the Online News Act in Canada require of big tech platforms?

It requires platforms like Meta and Google to pay Canadian news outlets for sharing their news stories.

Why is Canadian news currently unavailable on platforms like Facebook and Instagram?

Meta chose to stop showing news content rather than pay Canadian news outlets as required by the Online News Act.

What is the 'Surface' or 'Clear' web?

The portion of the web that is indexed and searchable by traditional search engines.

What is a common privacy risk associated with using standard web browsers and search engines?

They often track user activity, collecting data that can be sold or used without the user's knowledge.

What is the 'Deep Web'?

Parts of the web that are not searchable by traditional search engines, such as password-protected services, banking portals, and library databases.

Give an example of a transition from the Surface web to the Deep web.

Accessing a public university website is the Surface web, but logging into a student portal like UMLearn moves the user into the Deep web.

What is the 'Dark Web'?

A small portion of the web that requires specific anonymity tools, such as Tor or I2P, to access.

What is a common misconception regarding the size of the Dark Web?

Popular media often conflates 'dark' and 'deep' web, leading to an overestimation of the Dark Web's actual size.

What tools are used to hide IP addresses on the Dark Web?

Anonymity tools such as Tor and I2P.

What is the standard top-level domain for websites on the Tor network?

.onion

What is 'Onion Routing'?

A method for anonymizing communication using multiple layers of encryption where each layer only knows the identity of its neighboring layers.

What is the primary purpose of the Tor browser?

To encrypt user and host identities, enabling anonymous browsing and hosting on the Tor network.

What percentage of Tor traffic is estimated to be directed at hidden .onion websites?

Approximately 3.4%.

Why might a user in a censored country use the Tor network?

To bypass government restrictions and access blocked online resources or protect their identity while communicating.

What is the main ethical dilemma regarding strong encryption technologies like Tor?

The same technology that protects privacy and enables free speech can also be used to facilitate illegal activities.

Who originally developed Onion Routing?

The US Navy and the US Department of Defense.

What organization continued the development of Tor after the US Navy released the code?

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

What was the 'Silk Road' in the context of the Dark Web?

An online black market that significantly increased the popularity of the Tor network before being shut down by the FBI in 2013.

What types of currencies are typically used for transactions on the Dark Web?

Cryptocurrencies, specifically those with privacy-focused tools like Monero and Zcash.

What are the most common uses for websites on Tor hidden services according to research?

Criminal activities, including illicit finance, drug sales, and various forms of violent or illegal pornography.

What is the relationship between the Surface, Deep, and Dark webs?

The Deep web is a broader category that includes the Dark web; the Surface web is the non-hidden, searchable portion of the internet.

Is the Tor network considered part of the Surface web?

No, it is part of the Dark web.

Are library journals and books generally considered part of the Surface or Deep web?

The Deep web.

Does Facebook host a site on the Tor network?

Yes, to allow users in censored regions to access the platform securely.

What was the primary goal of DARPA researchers in the 1960s regarding computer networks?

To enable social interactions through a computer network.

What was the first wide-area network created by DARPA called?

ARPANET.

How does packet switching differ from circuit switching?

Circuit switching requires a dedicated end-to-end connection, while packet switching breaks data into small packets that travel independently when network space is available.

What is the definition of 'Open Architecture Networking'?

A backbone network that does not limit which type of network or computer can access or contribute to its resources.

What is the primary function of the TCP protocol?

It breaks messages into packets and reassembles them in the correct order at the destination.

What is the primary function of the IP protocol?

It adds address fields to packets and routes them through the network.

What significant event occurred in 1983 regarding Internet protocols?

All host computers were required to simultaneously convert to the TCP/IP suite.

What is the purpose of the DHCP protocol?

It assigns IP addresses and sets up DNS on a local area network (LAN).

Which protocol replaced FTP for more secure file transfers?

SFTP and FTPS.

Which protocol replaced TELNET for secure remote terminal login?

SSH.

Which protocol replaced HTTP for secure web browsing?

HTTPS.

What protocol is used for email transmission and has been updated to SMTPS?

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol).

Why did the National Science Foundation (NSF) initially limit their backbone to 'research and education'?

To encourage private investors to develop their own network backbones for commercial use.

What happened to the NSF backbone in 1995?

The NSF defunded the backbone and transitioned to purchasing Internet connectivity from private networks.

What are Tier 1 networks in the context of the Internet's physical infrastructure?

Large, privately owned networks that include intercontinental fibre optic cables.

How do local ISPs typically connect home users to the Internet?

They use fibre and digital cables to connect to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 network.

What is a reliable option for Internet connectivity in remote or poorly serviced areas?

Satellite Internet.

What role do routers play in the TCP/IP suite?

They handle error checking, routing, congestion control, and resending lost packets.

What was the main limitation of early telephone-based networks?

They relied on circuit-switching technology, which was inefficient for data transfer compared to packet switching.

Who developed the TCP/IP set of protocols?

Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn.

Why was the development of TCP/IP considered revolutionary?

Its adaptability allowed any computer to connect to the Internet regardless of the specific network type.

What does the acronym DARPA stand for?

Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency.

What is the primary benefit of reassembling packets at the destination rather than requiring a constant connection?

It allows for more efficient use of network space and does not require a dedicated connection between two specific machines.

What mobile technologies are used to connect devices to the Internet?

3G, 4G, and 5G.

What physical infrastructure makes up much of the Internet's backbone?

Physical cables laid on the ocean floor.

Which organization determines and documents the technical standards of the Internet?

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

What is the role of the Internet Society?

It oversees the IETF and various groups working on Internet protocols, protection, and improvements.

What is the 'Internet Ecosystem' as defined by the Internet Society?

A collective term for the various groups working to oversee the protocols, protection, and improvements of the Internet.

What was the primary goal of the Interop group?

To bring together vendors interested in products that utilize TCP/IP.

How does the IETF evolve Internet standards?

By hosting meetings that gather feedback from all stakeholders, including researchers, vendors, and users.

What is the fundamental difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?

The Internet is the physical network connecting computers, while the World Wide Web is a strategy that uses hypertext to share information over that network.

Who is credited with the invention of the World Wide Web?

Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

What did Tim Berners-Lee release on a royalty-free basis in 1993?

The code for the World Wide Web.

What is the purpose of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)?

It is an international group that develops open web standards.

What is the function of the World Wide Web Foundation?

It works to ensure a free and open web for everyone.

What does HTML stand for and what is its purpose?

HyperText Markup Language; it is the language used to format web pages and websites.

What is a URL?

Uniform Resource Locator; it is a unique address for each resource or page on the web.

What is HTTP?

HyperText Transfer Protocol; it determines how information is transmitted over web servers and processed by browsers.

How does HTTPS differ from HTTP?

HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP that encrypts and decrypts web pages before and after transmission.

What is the Domain Name System (DNS)?

A system developed to organize and track host computer names by mapping them to IP addresses.

Why is DNS used instead of IP addresses for human navigation?

DNS names are easy for humans to memorize, whereas IP addresses are numerical and difficult to remember.

What is the relationship between a domain name and an IP address?

DNS translates hierarchical domain names (like www.umanitoba.ca) into specific IP addresses (like 130.179.16.50).

What is the primary role of the NSF in the history of the Internet?

The NSF intended for network services to be developed by the private sector.

What is the significance of the year 1994 in the history of the web?

Tim Berners-Lee founded the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

What does the term 'stakeholders' refer to in the context of the Internet's future?

Entities with both an economic and intellectual investment in the network.

What is the primary interface between the World Wide Web and the Internet?

TCP/IP protocols.

What was the original method for tracking host computer names before DNS?

Host names were kept in a table.

What is the main challenge identified regarding the future of the Internet?

The difficulty of setting a collective direction and marching into the future due to a proliferation of stakeholders.

What is the primary role of a TLD registry?

To work with ICANN to manage the domains under their specific Top Level Domain.