Protect the Internet Archive: Importance of a Free Info Hub

The Internet Archive, the world's largest open digital library, has been under threat of being shut down permanently after losing its DMCA case against publishers.

Now months later, the looming ultimatum on the modern Library of Alexandria has never been more dire than ever.

As of writing, the Internet Archive continues to appeal to the public for a reversal on the court decision.

Even prominent people like Elon Musk have expressed their support for the continued existence of the digital library "even though Internet Archive has a ton of negative bs about me."

If you are still unaware of its relevance, here is the breakdown why an accessible open library like the Internet Archive is important for the public good and why its possible disappearance can have lasting negative effects.

Internet Archive: An Accessible Information Center

Just as Internet Archive said itself, the digital hub provides "universal access" to digitized books, journals, and documents otherwise only the privileged may afford.

Many books and information on the internet are currently locked away behind paywalls and paid subscriptions, majority of which are academic papers essential for learning.

While the presence of these credible information hubs serves as a way to directly support researchers and authors, not everyone has the means to do so.

The idea of a centralized hub for free access to information is a guaranteed help to all scholars, historians, and students without the means to collect necessary information from official publications.

Internet Archive: Preserving the Past

The Internet Archive is not managed by a single person alone but by a collective effort of Internet users from various walk of life.

Similar to Wikipedia, the platform serves as an archive for all information that can be lost in time and memory.

Many of the lost media, from television, radio, and old internet artifacts, resurfaced and protected from the passage of time thanks to the people working to keep the Internet Archive follow its core principles.

The fact that the Archive continues its operations from donations, grants, and partnerships shows that its purpose is for the good of the general public rather than as a business.

Several academic institutions, including authors that have been cited that the Internet Archive infringed, have expressed their support.

It is never too late to support the digital library even now. The Internet Archive continues its call for support, an action anyone from anywhere can do.

So, what are you waiting for?