Adversarial Interoperability

Cory Doctorow
Cory Doctorow
Published in
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Adversarial Interoperability
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Key Takeaways

  • Adversarial interoperability, creating a new product or service that works with existing ones without the original manufacturers’ permission, was once a key driver of the tech industry’s dynamic marketplace.
  • Presently, Big Tech companies have used laws, regulations, and court decisions to significantly limit adversarial interoperability, creating a monopoly-like environment.
  • Restoring adversarial interoperability could be a solution to the concentration of Big Tech, as it would reduce their monopoly profits and make their mistakes less impactful.
  • The future of adversarial interoperability is uncertain, with increasing dominance of tech giants potentially encouraging it, but legal and ethical challenges possibly discouraging it.

“Interoperability” is the act of making a new product or service work with an existing product or service: modern civilization depends on the standards and practices that allow you to put any dish into a dishwasher or any USB charger into any car’s cigarette lighter.

But interoperability is just the ante. For a really competitive, innovative, dynamic marketplace, you need adversarial interoperability: that’s when you create a new product or service that plugs into the existing ones without the permission of the companies that make them. Think of third-party printer ink, alternative app stores, or independent repair shops that use compatible parts from rival manufacturers to fix your car or your phone or your tractor.

Adversarial interoperability was once the driver of tech’s dynamic marketplace, where the biggest firms could go from top of the heap to scrap metal in an eyeblink, where tiny startups could topple dominant companies before they even knew what hit them.

But the current crop of Big Tech companies has secured laws, regulations, and court decisions that have dramatically restricted adversarial interoperability. From the flurry of absurd software patents that the US Patent and Trademark Office granted in the dark years between the first software patents and the Alice decision to the growing use of “digital rights management” to create legal obligations to use the products you purchase in ways that benefit shareholders at your expense, Big Tech climbed the adversarial ladder and then pulled it up behind them.

That can and should change. As Big Tech grows ever more concentrated, restoring adversarial interoperability must be a piece of the solution to that concentration: making big companies smaller makes their mistakes less consequential, and it deprives them of the monopoly profits they rely on to lobby for rules that make competing with them even harder.

For months, we have written about the history, theory, and practice of adversarial interoperability. This page rounds up our writing on the subject in one convenient resource that you can send your friends, Members of Congress, teachers, investors, and bosses as we all struggle to figure out how to re-decentralize the Internet and spread decision-making power around to millions of individuals and firms, rather than the executives of a handful of tech giants.

(Republished from EFF Deeplinks under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license) ➤ Read Cory Doctorow’s How to Destroy Surveillance Capitalism
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Adversarial Interoperability

What is the concept of Adversarial Interoperability?

Adversarial Interoperability, also known as competitive compatibility, is a concept in the tech world that allows a new product or service to interface, interact, or interoperate with a legacy or incumbent product, without the permission of the original manufacturer. This concept is often used by new entrants in the market to gain a competitive edge, by creating products or services that are compatible with popular or dominant products in the market.

How does Adversarial Interoperability impact the tech industry?

Adversarial Interoperability can have a significant impact on the tech industry. It can foster competition, drive innovation, and break down monopolies. By allowing new entrants to create products or services that can interface with existing dominant products, it can level the playing field and prevent the monopolization of the market by a few big players. However, it can also lead to legal and ethical issues, such as copyright infringement and violation of intellectual property rights.

What are some examples of Adversarial Interoperability?

There are numerous examples of adversarial interoperability in the tech industry. For instance, the creation of third-party apps that can interface with popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, or the development of compatible software that can run on dominant operating systems like Windows and iOS. Another example is the creation of third-party hardware that can interface with popular gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.

What are the legal implications of Adversarial Interoperability?

The legal implications of adversarial interoperability can be complex and varied, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances. In some cases, it can lead to lawsuits for copyright infringement or violation of intellectual property rights. In other cases, it can be seen as a legitimate form of competition and innovation. It’s important for companies to seek legal advice before engaging in adversarial interoperability.

How can Adversarial Interoperability benefit consumers?

Adversarial Interoperability can benefit consumers in several ways. It can increase competition, leading to lower prices and better quality products. It can also give consumers more choices and allow them to use their preferred products or services in conjunction with other products or services. Furthermore, it can drive innovation and lead to the development of new and improved products and services.

Can Adversarial Interoperability harm consumers?

While adversarial interoperability can have many benefits, it can also potentially harm consumers. For instance, it can lead to compatibility issues, security risks, and privacy concerns. It can also result in legal disputes that can disrupt the availability of products or services. Therefore, it’s important for consumers to be aware of these potential risks and to make informed decisions.

How does Adversarial Interoperability relate to open source software?

Adversarial interoperability is closely related to the concept of open source software. Open source software is software that is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This openness allows for a high degree of interoperability, including adversarial interoperability. However, unlike adversarial interoperability, open source software encourages and relies on cooperation and collaboration, rather than competition and conflict.

What is the future of Adversarial Interoperability?

The future of adversarial interoperability is uncertain and depends on various factors, including legal, technological, and market trends. On one hand, the increasing dominance of a few big tech companies could lead to more adversarial interoperability as new entrants seek to break into the market. On the other hand, the increasing legal and ethical challenges could discourage adversarial interoperability. Regardless, it’s likely that the concept will continue to evolve and remain a significant factor in the tech industry.

How can companies protect themselves from Adversarial Interoperability?

Companies can protect themselves from adversarial interoperability by investing in strong intellectual property rights, implementing robust security measures, and maintaining a high degree of innovation and customer satisfaction. They can also seek legal advice and take legal action if necessary. However, it’s also important for companies to recognize the potential benefits of interoperability and to consider cooperative strategies.

How can I learn more about Adversarial Interoperability?

There are many resources available for learning more about adversarial interoperability. You can read articles and blogs, attend webinars and conferences, and participate in online forums and discussions. You can also consult with tech experts, legal advisors, and industry professionals. Additionally, you can follow the latest news and developments in the tech industry to stay informed about the latest trends and issues related to adversarial interoperability.

Cory Doctorow (craphound.com) is a science fiction author, activist and journalist. He is the author of many books, most recently RADICALIZED and WALKAWAY, science fiction for adults, IN REAL LIFE, a graphic novel; INFORMATION DOESN’T WANT TO BE FREE, a book about earning a living in the Internet age, and HOMELAND, a YA sequel to LITTLE BROTHER. His latest book is POESY THE MONSTER SLAYER, a picture book for young readers. His next book is ATTACK SURFACE, an adult sequel to LITTLE BROTHER.

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