Podcast: Increasing Users' Data Agency: From BlueSky's AT Protocol to the Local-First Software Movement
Martin Kleppmann, an associate professor at Cambridge and author of Designing Data-Intensive Applications, discusses the evolution of data systems over the last decade, mainly the shift from monolithic databases to modular building blocks. Kleppmann underlines the importance of moving from cloud-centric data storage systems to decentralised data storage similar to Bluesky’s AT protocol. By Martin Kleppmann
The increasing concentration of data in a few large cloud providers and growing public concern over data privacy are driving a re-evaluation of data ownership and control.
This shift towards decentralised and local-first data storage challenges the prevailing cloud-centric model, potentially redistributing power and control over digital assets.
The fundamental architecture of how applications handle data is shifting from server-side databases to client-side or peer-to-peer storage, empowering users with greater agency over their information.
- · Users/Individuals
- · Developers of decentralised protocols
- · Local-first software companies
- · Privacy-focused organisations
- · Large cloud providers (long-term)
- · Centralised data brokers
- · Monolithic database vendors
Increased user adoption of applications built on decentralised or local-first data architectures.
A more fragmented and resilient data ecosystem, reducing single points of failure and surveillance opportunities.
New economic models emerging around personal data ownership and verifiable digital identity.
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Read at InfoQ