Explore the critical role of the Internet as a democratic tool and the threats it faces in this 51-minute conference talk from linux.conf.au 2020. Delve into how the Internet enables citizen communication, organization, and information dissemination, while also supporting whistleblowers and journalists. Examine the challenges posed by criminals, governments, and corporations that threaten this democratic lifeline. Learn about the dangers of increased centralization, tracking, censorship, and harmful legislation. Discover what steps can be taken to strengthen the Internet and preserve it as a global, rights-enabled communication network for future generations.