Have you ever thought about what would happen if the Internet's vast history was suddenly erased? In this episode, we delve into the recent cyber threats that have targeted the Internet Archive, a crucial digital library often referred to as the modern-day Library of Alexandria. Known widely for its Wayback Machine, the Internet Archive is much more than just a time capsule of old websites. However, it's currently under siege, facing severe cyber attacks, including a massive data breach and multiple DDoS attacks, raising questions about the security and future of digital preservation.

We have been analyzing the implications of these cyber threats. While no specific guest is featured, the episode draws on insights from cybersecurity specialists and digital archivists to paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by the Internet Archive. These voices help us understand the motivations behind such attacks and the broader implications for digital libraries worldwide.

The episode explores the multifaceted challenges faced by the Internet Archive, from legal battles over digital book lending to the technical hurdles of archiving an ever-expanding and evolving Internet. We discuss the importance of preserving diverse cultural narratives and the biases that may arise from the current limitations of digital archiving. As we ponder the future of the Internet's collective memory, this episode encourages listeners to consider their role in shaping and preserving the digital history that will inform generations to come.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Context

00:00:12 - The Mission of the Internet Archive

00:00:36 - Internet Archive Under Cyber Attack

00:00:53 - Details of the Data Breach in October

00:01:86 - Overview of DDoS Attacks

00:02:13 - Motivation Behind the Attacks

00:02:46 - Challenges in Preserving Internet History

00:03:04 - Comparison with the BNF (National Library of France)

00:04:24 - Copyright Issues and Digital Lending

00:05:15 - Technical Challenges of Archiving the Web

00:06:36 - Preservation Bias and Content Diversity

00:07:47 - Importance of Personal Engagement and Conclusion

This episode is brought to you by Patrick DE CARVALHO and the production studio "Je ne perds jamais." Let's speak Web, innovation and technologies and explore the future together.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdecarvalho/