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Helpful prior knowledge and learning objectives
Helpful prior knowledge and learning objectives
Helpful prior learning:
Section 1.1.1 The economy and you, which explains what an economy is and how it is relevant to students’ lives
Section 1.1.2 The embedded economy, which explains the relationship between the economy and society and Earth’s systems
Section 1.1.4 Regenerative economies, which explains how circular, distributive and caring, needs-based and sufficient economies can meet human needs within planetary boundaries
Section 4.1.1 The commons as a system, which explains the parts, relationships, and functions of the commons and the relationship between the commons and other provisioning institutions
Section S.1 What are systems?, which explains what a system is, the importance of systems boundaries, the difference between open and closed systems and the importance of systems thinking
Section S.2 Systems thinking patterns, which outlines the core components of systems thinking: distinctions (thing/other), systems (part/whole), relationships (action/reaction), and perspectives (point/view)
Learning objectives:
explain how commoning creates and manages shared digital resources and how digital tools can support commoning in other spheres, as well as the challenges of commoning with digital tools
The operating system of a computer is like its brain, managing tasks like running programs and saving files. Most systems, such as Microsoft Windows or Apple’s macOS, are controlled by companies that keep their code secret and charge users to access it.
In 1991, Linus Torvalds, a university student, created Linux, an open-source operating system that revolutionised computing. Unlike Microsoft’s and Apple’s systems, Linux was free, its code accessible for anyone to view, use, and improve. The networks of the internet enabled thousands of programmers worldwide to collaborate, enhancing Linux. Today, Linux powers everything from smartphones to supercomputers. Its success shows how digital communities can manage shared resources without corporate control.
Figure 1. Tux the penguin, the mascot of Linux
(Credit: Larry Ewing, CC0)
How can commoning create and manage shared digital resources?
How can commoning create and manage shared digital resources?
Digital commoning via online networks has transformed the way we create, share, and manage resources. Here are some examples:
Open-source software
Open-source software
Open-source software like the Linux operating system, the Firefox search engine, and GitHub for computer software code invite programmers globally to contribute their skills. This ensures software evolves to meet user needs, not just corporate profits. Open-source code is freely available to inspect, fix, and improve. This collaborative approach speeds problem-solving, adds new features, and prevents corporations from claiming exclusive intellectual property rights (Section 3.2.3).
However, open-source projects are not immune to corporate influence. Some businesses exploit digital commoners’ work, steering open-source projects for profit. To serve the community, commoners must remain vigilant against external pressures.
Knowledge commons
Knowledge commons
Another way digital tools support commoning is through knowledge-sharing platforms. Wikipedia is a widely-used example of a knowledge commons. Wikipedia relies on volunteers to write and edit articles, ensuring knowledge remains free and accessible to all. This model is based on the idea that knowledge should be a shared resource available to everyone, not something locked behind paywalls or controlled by a few companies.
Another knowledge commons tool is Creative Commons licensing, which helps people share creative works like writing, music, and images. These licenses let creators maintain copyright, the right to use and profit from their works, while still allowing others to use and adapt their work under specific conditions.
The least restrictive license, CC0, places works in the public domain for free use. More restrictive licenses permit sharing and adaptations only with credit or under certain terms (Figure 2). Creative Commons ensures knowledge and creativity remain accessible to everyone. There is an activity at the end of the section where you can test your understanding of how they are combined to share knowledge and artistic works in different ways.
Figure 2. The various symbols used to indicate creative commons licence restrictions
(Credit: Creative Commons)
Distributed platforms and control over data
Distributed platforms and control over data
Every time we use social media, search engines, or other platforms, we reveal personal data about ourselves like our identities, geographic location, and Web-viewing habits that companies collect and sell to others.
Data commoning addresses the challenge of who controls the data we generate online. Instead of relying on centralised control and ownership of a network, data commoners use decentralised and distributed networks to store and manage data (Figure 3). Technologies create secure, transparent systems for managing information collectively. One example of such a technology is blockchain, a digital ledger (or recording of transactions) distributed across many computers, ensuring data is nearly tamper-proof without network-wide consent. This promotes trust and transparency, especially in financial transactions.
Despite their potential, technologies like blockchain, decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs), and other peer-to-peer networks face challenges. Many in the tech industry prioritise individual freedom over collective good, risking profit-driven exploitation of such systems. Building robust data commons requires not just technology, but shared values and governance around developing resources for the good of the entire community.
Figure 3. Decentralised and distributed networks of data sharing and processing can help those who create data retain more control over it compared to a centralised network
How can digital tools support commoning in non-digital spheres?
How can digital tools support commoning in non-digital spheres?
Digital commoning is not just about managing digital resources—it’s also about using technology to support commoning in the physical world. Here’s how digital tools are helping communities share and manage resources in different areas of life.
Sharing physical resources
Sharing physical resources
Digital tools also help manage physical resources, fostering collaboration in areas like housing, energy, and transportation. Platform cooperatives are digital systems designed to prioritise community benefit over profit.
One example is Fairbnb (Figure 4), a home-sharing platform similar to Airbnb, but with a key difference: it’s designed to benefit people in local communities, not the tech company. At Fairbnb, a portion of the profits goes back into local projects, and users (people who rent out their homes) have a say in how the platform is run. This shifts the focus from profit for a few investors to wider community benefit, blending commoning with a market service.
Figure 4. At Fairbnb, a portion of the profits goes back into local projects
(Credit: Fairbnb)
In the energy sector, platforms like Powerledger allow communities to share locally produced solar energy. Rather than selling excess energy back to a large utility company, people can trade it directly with their neighbours, making energy production and consumption more localised and sustainable. Platforms like this can support communities to have more control over their resources, though people need to be aware of the tensions inherent in using market-tools in commoning.
Collective decision-making
Collective decision-making
Digital tools like Loomio enable transparent, inclusive decision-making. These platforms allow communities to discuss ideas, propose solutions, and vote online, ensuring broad participation even across large geographic distances. Such tools support democratic governance essential for successful commoning.
Figure 5. How Loomio works
(Credit: Loomio)
Digital tools for local economies
Digital tools for local economies
Digital tools can strengthen local economies through time banks and alternative local currencies (Section 4.2.4). Time banks allow people to trade services based on time, rather than money. For example, someone could spend an hour teaching a neighbour how to cook, and in return, they could use that time credit to have someone else help them fix their bicycle. Digital platforms make it easier to keep track of who contributes and receives time from timebank members.
Community currencies and mutual credit systems like Bangla-Pesa in Kenya, can use digital tools to trade goods and services without relying on national currencies. Through mobile phones, people can quickly send and receive Bangla-Pesa, bypassing banks and without relying on paper money. The technology helps ensure that local wealth stays in the community, helping people meet their needs while strengthening the local economy.
What challenges are there to using digital tools for commoning?
What challenges are there to using digital tools for commoning?
While digital tools offer powerful ways to support commoning, they also come with challenges.
Data privacy and security: communities using digital platforms create a lot of personal and shared data. Digital commoning must secure platforms, letting communities control their data.
Digital divide: Unequal internet access, incomes, and digital literacy exclude some people from participating in digital commoning. Open-source tools and Creative Commons licenses help make resources more accessible to everyone, regardless of their tech skills or location.
Overemphasis on technology: Digital tools can help organise commoning, but they can't replace human practices and values. Commoners must nurture shared purpose and governance.
Corporate control and co-optation: Profit-driven businesses often co-opt digital platforms. For example, Facebook uses personal data to profit from advertising, prioritising investors over users. Commons-friendly tools must resist corporate exploitation, enabling self-governance and community control.
By addressing these challenges, digital commoners can design tools that foster fair, community-oriented technologies, ensuring shared resources remain accessible and sustainable.
Activity 4.2.5
Activity 4.2.5
Concept: Regeneration
Skills: Thinking skills (transfer)
Time: varies depending on the option
Type: Individual, pairs, or group
Option 1: What do the various creative commons licences mean?
Time: 20 minutes
The following badges show which creative commons licence a creator has attached to their work. Explain what each one means, based on what you learned in this section. You can check your ideas by clicking on the arrow at the end.
Click on the arrow to reveal answers
CC BY: You can use, share, or adapt the work, as long as you give credit to the creator.
CC BY-SA: You must give credit for the work, and if you modify it, you must share your new version under the same licence.
CC BY-ND: You can use the work, but you cannot change it and you must credit the creator.
CC BY-NC: You can use the work and adapt it, but not for commercial purposes and you must credit the creator.
CC BY-NC-SA: You can use the work and adapt it, but not for commercial purposes and you must credit the creator and share your new work with the same licence.
CC BY-NC-ND: You can use the work, but not for commercial purposes and you cannot adapt it. You must credit the creator. This is the most restrictive creative commons licence.
Option 2: Exploring Creative Commons work
Time: 30 minutes
Visit Flickr or Wikimedia Commons, both of which host a large collection of materials shared under Creative Commons licenses.
On Flickr, find the “Creative Commons” section in the Explore menu.
On Wikimedia Commons, use the search bar to find images, videos, or sound files related to a topic of interest.
Search for one or more pieces of work that you might like to use in a project, presentation, or creative activity. Make sure the work is clearly labeled with a Creative Commons license.
Note the following information for each piece you select:
The creator's name or username.
The type of Creative Commons license it uses (e.g., Attribution, NonCommercial, ShareAlike).
Reflect on how you might use the work. For example:
Could it be part of a presentation?
Could you remix or adapt it for your own creative project?
Share your findings with the class or in small groups. Discuss how Creative Commons licensing makes it easier to access and use creative work ethically.
Option 3: Digital tools in your community
Time: 30-40 minutes if focused on school or their peers, longer time would be needed to investigate outside examples
Find out whether your school, neighbourhood or town is using digital tools to make it easier for people in your community to collaborate. If you can find one or more examples, explore how that tool works (is it an example of digital commoning? Why or why not?), how you can get involved, and/or ideas for making that tool more accessible or visible in your community.
Ideas for longer activities and projects are listed in Subtopic 4.5 Taking action
Checking for understanding
Checking for understanding
Further exploration
Further exploration
State of the Commons 2022 - as of writing this section, the latest report on creative commons by Creative Commons. It highlights key milestones in the Creative Commons movement and looks ahead to challenges and opportunities. Difficulty level: medium
CivicAI - an initiative to explore using artificial intelligence tools to improve civic collaboration and build community resilience in response to the climate crisis. Difficulty level: medium
The Commoners Catalog for Changemaking: Tools for the Transitions Ahead - an online publication filled with interesting examples and stories of diverse forms of commoning, including digital commons. Difficulty level: medium.
Creative Commons - the website with information about Creative Commons licensing. Difficulty level: easy
Sources
Sources
Bollier, D. and Helfrich, S. (2019). “5. Peer governance through commoning.” Free, Fair and Alive: The Insurgent Power of the Commons. Gabriola Island: New Society Publishers.
Bollier, D. (2025). Think Like a Commoner, 2nd edition. Gabriola Island: New Society Publishers. https://www.thinklikeacommoner.com/
1. Rediscovery of the Commons
9. Digital Rebels in the Big Tech Imperium
Creative Commons. (n.d.). Creative Commons. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from https://creativecommons.org/
Ruddick, W. (2024, February 19). Commitment Pooling. Grassroots Economics. https://grassecon.org/commitment-pooling
Terminology (in order of appearance)
Terminology (in order of appearance)
Link to Quizlet interactive flashcards and terminology games for Section 4.2.5 Digital commons
open-source: something people can modify and share because its design is publicly accessible
commoning: when a group of people self-organise to manage shared resources
intellectual property right: the right of a person to creations of their mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images
profit: total revenue minus total cost
knowledge commons: information, data, and content that is collectively owned and managed by a community of users
paywall: an arrangement whereby access to a website is restricted to users who have paid for access
copyright: legal ownership of intellectual property with the right to control its reproduction and distribution
public domain: belonging or being available to the public as a whole, especially through not being subject to copyright or other legal restrictions
data commoning: a cloud-based computing resource with a governance structure that allows a community to manage, analyze and share its data
blockchain: a system in which a record of transactions, especially those made in a cryptocurrency, is maintained across computers that are linked in a peer-to-peer network
decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO): an organisation managed whole or in part by decentralized computer programs, with voting and finances handled through a decentralized ledger technology like a blockchain
peer-to-peer network: a collection of connected computers or other kind of network with no single controller
exploit: using and benefiting from resources; the term is often used negatively to imply using power to take advantage of a situation
platform cooperative: a website or mobile app that is designed to provide a service or sell a product that is collectively owned and governed by the people who depend on and participate in it
sustainability: meeting people’s needs within the means of the planet
governance: the process of overseeing the control and direction of something
time bank: when people exchange services based on time rather than money
community currency: a type of money that is created and adopted by individual communities to meet their own needs for cooperation and exchange within a locality
mutual credit system: a form of money in which users pay each other using a system of debits and credits, with no need for cash or banks
wealth: the total value (stock) of someone’s assets such as money, house, or investments
income: money received from work or investments
value: ideas about what is important or good
governance: the process of overseeing the control and direction of something
co-opt: to take possession of something to use it for your own purposes
investor: an individual that puts money into an entity such as a business for a financial return
exploit: using and benefiting from resources; the term is often used negatively to imply using power to take advantage of a situation
social foundation: human needs that need to be met for human survival and wellbeing
planetary boundaries: the limits of Earth systems to absorb the impact of human activity and continue to function
ecological ceiling: the limits of human impact on Earth's ecological systems
Doughnut Economics model: a model for sustainable development shaped like a doughnut, combining the concept of human needs with planetary boundaries
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