Citizens will create mesh networks using interconnected IoT devices, bypassing government-controlled internet infrastructure completely.

Imagined Future Scenarios

Internet of Things, Plausible Futures, Medium Term (3 - 5 years)

Scenario Generated from 'VPN is now the resistance tool of choice in authoritarian regimes' - Compiler.news

Future Arc and Implications

Grow Arc

Social Impact: Enhanced community connectivity fosters localized information sharing and social interaction.

Technological Impact: Rapid proliferation of inexpensive, power-efficient IoT devices optimized for mesh networking.

Ecological Impact: Increased e-waste and energy consumption from the widespread deployment of IoT devices.

Economic Impact: New economic opportunities arise in decentralized internet services and localized digital marketplaces.

Political Impact: Governments struggle to regulate and monitor independent citizen-led communication networks.

Narrative: Decentralized connectivity fuels economic growth and social innovation, but at an environmental cost.

Collapse Arc

Social Impact: Mesh networks become critical lifelines during widespread infrastructure failures, but are vulnerable to exploitation.

Technological Impact: Security vulnerabilities and lack of maintenance lead to widespread network failures and data breaches.

Ecological Impact: Resource scarcity hinders the maintenance and expansion of mesh networks, further isolating communities.

Economic Impact: Decline in formal economic activity leads to reliance on barter and localized, mesh-supported informal economies.

Political Impact: Governments lose control and legitimacy, potentially leading to fragmented governance structures within mesh network territories.

Narrative: Civil unrest and systemic breakdowns force reliance on fragile, citizen-maintained mesh networks for survival.

Discipline Arc

Social Impact: Government mandates standardized, controlled IoT devices for mesh networking to maintain surveillance and order.

Technological Impact: Centralized platform controls citizen IoT mesh networks through backdoors and AI-driven management.

Ecological Impact: Resource allocation is tightly controlled, prioritizing government-approved IoT infrastructure projects.

Economic Impact: Government-approved businesses dominate the mesh network ecosystem, stifling independent innovation.

Political Impact: Dissent is suppressed through monitoring and manipulation of information flowing through the controlled mesh networks.

Narrative: An authoritarian regime leverages citizen-created networks for enhanced societal control and ubiquitous surveillance.

Transform Arc

Social Impact: Mesh networks foster direct democracy and collaborative decision-making within interconnected communities.

Technological Impact: Open-source, secure, and self-healing mesh networking protocols emerge, prioritizing privacy and resilience.

Ecological Impact: Sustainable and regenerative practices are promoted through IoT-enabled resource management and localized production.

Economic Impact: A decentralized, circular economy flourishes, driven by citizen-created currencies and peer-to-peer exchange within mesh networks.

Political Impact: Hierarchical government structures are replaced by decentralized, self-governing communities interconnected through mesh networks.

Narrative: Citizen-led mesh networks spark a radical transformation towards a decentralized, sustainable, and equitable society.

Product ideas generated based on this scenario

Eco-Mesh Hubs

Modular, recyclable IoT hubs powered by renewable energy (solar, wind) designed to extend mesh network range while minimizing environmental impact. These come with repair guides and replaceable parts, promoting longevity and reducing e-waste. Prioritizes carbon offsetting programs with each unit purchase.

Local Data Marketplaces

A platform that allows users to securely share and monetize anonymized data collected by their IoT devices within the local mesh network. Focuses on localized insight and control, fostering a community data economy with fair compensation and transparency. Data is used for localized AI, predictions, and resource optimization.

Emergency Mesh Communication Kits (EMCK)

Ruggedized, pre-configured IoT kits containing essential communication devices (handheld radios, satellite communicators, mesh routers) designed for rapid deployment during emergencies. Includes instructional videos and guides for setting up a temporary mesh network in resource-scarce environments. Provides a secure, offline communication.

Community Resilience Networks (CRN)

A service that prepares, trains and supports communities with offline versions of important internet resources like critical infrastructure diagrams, DIY repair tutorials, local food production techniques, and basic medical guides. Accessed through the local mesh networks in event of internet collapse.

Decentralized VPN Mesh (DVM)

An anonymizing overlay network built on top of the government-controlled mesh infrastructure. Uses distributed routing and encryption to circumvent surveillance and censorship, offering secure and private communication channels within the regulated network. Rewards nodes with crypto for relaying traffic.

Open-Source IoT Inspector

A software tool and hardware probe designed to audit IoT devices for backdoors, vulnerabilities, and data collection practices. Enables users to independently verify the security and privacy of their devices and challenge government-mandated software restrictions. Emphasizes transparency and citizen oversight.

Decentralized Governance Platform (DGP)

A blockchain-based platform that facilitates transparent and participatory decision-making within mesh-connected communities. Enables citizens to propose, vote on, and implement local policies and initiatives using secure and auditable digital tools via their IoT devices. Replaces old government. Builds bottom up with consensus based decisions.

Regenerative Resource Exchange (RRE)

A peer-to-peer platform facilitating the exchange of locally produced goods and services, powered by a community currency and managed through mesh-connected IoT devices. Promotes sustainable consumption and localized production by optimizing resource allocation and reducing reliance on external supply chains. Focuses on local, sustainable and regenerative production methods. Uses IOT sensor data for supply and demand matching.