The Cloud Is a Prison. Can the Local-First Software Movement Set Us Free?

9/4/2023

This Wired article discusses the drawbacks of relying heavily on cloud-based software and argues for embracing the local-first software movement. The author points out that while cloud computing offers convenience and accessibility, it also has its limitations and potential risks in terms of privacy, security, and reliance on internet connectivity. The local-first software movement advocates for shifting focus back to locally stored and controlled data, allowing users to have more control, ownership, and autonomy over their digital lives. By emphasizing the importance of offline functionality and user-centric design, this movement seeks to address the vulnerabilities and dependencies associated with being locked into cloud-based services.

cloud computing ꞏ local first software ꞏ privacy ꞏ data ownership ꞏ centralized control ꞏ decentralization ꞏ digital sovereignty ꞏ data security ꞏ internet ꞏ software development ꞏ open source ꞏ technology ꞏ data storage ꞏ data backup ꞏ personal data ꞏ cloud services ꞏ software applications ꞏ data privacy ꞏ user control ꞏ data synchronization ꞏ data access ꞏ data portability ꞏ data resilience ꞏ data autonomy ꞏ personal computing ꞏ cloud dependency ꞏ data protection ꞏ data sovereignty ꞏ online services ꞏ self-hosting ꞏ peer-to-peer ꞏ digital freedom ꞏ software industry ꞏ data governance ꞏ user autonomy ꞏ privacy concerns ꞏ local infrastructure ꞏ software architecture ꞏ internet services ꞏ data management ꞏ online privacy ꞏ cloud reliance ꞏ user empowerment ꞏ data control ꞏ online platforms ꞏ decentralized networks ꞏ cyber security ꞏ software ecosystem ꞏ user privacy ꞏ data integrity ꞏ data localization ꞏ personal information ꞏ digital rights ꞏ internet privacy ꞏ software reliability ꞏ software ethics ꞏ data sovereignty movement ꞏ personal control ꞏ user data ꞏ data security issues ꞏ local computing ꞏ data encryption ꞏ data privacy regulations ꞏ local storage ꞏ software freedom ꞏ data federation