Decoder with Nilay Patel

Why Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince is the internet’s unlikely defender

21 snips
Apr 8, 2024
Matthew Prince, Co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare, dives into his company's crucial role in safeguarding over 20% of the web from cyber threats. He discusses the delicate balance between protecting free speech and preventing harm, especially in conflict zones. The conversation highlights Cloudflare's mission-centric approach to internet governance and efficiency, as well as the ethical complexities in tech today. Prince emphasizes long-term investments in building a better internet, addressing the growing challenges posed by modern cyber threats and governance.
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Early Adopters

  • Cloudflare unintentionally attracted human rights organizations early on.
  • Meeting journalists facing death squads for exposing corruption solidified Cloudflare's mission.
INSIGHT

Evolving Mission

  • Cloudflare's mission evolved from a business opportunity to protecting the internet's existence.
  • Authoritarian regimes recognize the internet's disruptive power and seek to control it.
INSIGHT

Transparency in Moderation

  • Content moderation decisions are infrequent for Cloudflare compared to social media platforms.
  • Cloudflare emphasizes transparency in its decision-making, unlike other tech companies.
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