- Updated: March 26, 2026
- 2 min read
Interoperability as a Weapon Against Big Tech: Cory Doctorow’s Vision for Open Standards
In a recent interview with IEEE Spectrum, author and activist Cory Doctorow argues that interoperability and open standards are the most powerful tools we have to dismantle the monopolistic grip of Big Tech. Doctorow explains how forcing platforms to communicate openly can restore competition, empower users, and spark innovation across the digital ecosystem.
Doctorow highlights several real‑world examples—such as the success of email, the web’s early days, and the rise of open‑source software—to illustrate how shared protocols have historically broken down closed, proprietary silos. He warns that without strong interoperability mandates, today’s tech giants can continue to lock users into walled gardens, dictate terms, and extract ever‑greater value from data.
Key takeaways from the interview include:
- Open standards are a public good: They enable any developer to build on top of existing services without needing permission.
- Regulatory action matters: Governments can enforce interoperability rules, similar to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, to level the playing field.
- User choice drives change: When consumers demand interoperable products, companies are forced to adapt.
Doctorow’s message aligns with Ubos Tech’s mission to promote open, decentralized technologies. Learn more about how we’re championing interoperability on our site:
Read the full interview for deeper insights: Cory Doctorow on Interoperability – IEEE Spectrum
Andrii Bidochko
CTO UBOS
Andrii Bidochko is an AI entrepreneur and researcher focused on AI agents, reinforcement learning, and autonomous systems. He writes about the technologies shaping the future of machine intelligence, from frontier models and agent architectures to real-world AI applications.