CANADALAND How to Unsh*ttify Canada, with Cory Doctorow
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Nov 3, 2025 
Cory Doctorow, a renowned author, journalist, and technology activist, explores the concept of 'ensh*ttification'—the decline of tech platforms over time—and applies it to Canada. He discusses how outdated policies enable corporate misconduct and the importance of creating a Canadian app store to promote local revenue and mitigate platform censorship. Doctorow argues for systemic change over individual actions and emphasizes the potential for technological sovereignty. He envisions scaling Canada's tech sector to reduce reliance on resource extraction.
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Inshittification Explains Platform Decay
- Cory Doctorow defines "inshittification" as platforms going from brilliant to degraded over time.
- He frames Canada as having been "inshittified" by dependence on U.S. platforms and policies.
Digital Locks Create Global Lock-In
- Doctorow links U.S. digital-lock laws to global lock-in that prevents modification and competition.
- He argues Canada adopted similar rules, which stopped third-party innovation and repair markets.
Build Interoperable Third-Party Tools
- Unleash Canadian technologists to build third-party clients, app stores, and repair tools that interoperate with U.S. platforms.
- Use those tools to reclaim payments and user choice without forcing people to abandon social networks.
