In this talk, Mr. Srinivasan R delves into the transformative role of protocols in the digital ecosystem, contrasting the open protocols that underpin the internet with the proprietary ones that power today’s largest technology platforms. Drawing on examples from the evolution of communication and data exchange, Srinivasan illuminates how open protocols enable democratic access, foster innovation, and empower users by safeguarding data privacy and choice. He emphasizes the importance of building a digital future where open standards prevail, offering a vision where technology serves humanity by providing inclusive, fair, and user-controlled online spaces. Through compelling arguments and insights, Srinivasan advocates for a return to the foundational principles of the internet, urging the creation of digital infrastructures that prioritize community, transparency, and user agency Professor R Srinivasan's areas of research include strategies of multi-sided platform organisations; digital public infrastructure & digital public goods; strategy processes in rapid growth organisations and competitive, corporate, & international strategies. He has authored a book on Platform Business Models (also translated in German),which serves as the go-to guide for those looking to leverage platforms and create network synergies, from entrepreneurs to seasoned executives. Srinivasan has been teaching courses on platform business models, competitive strategy, and corporate strategy for MBA and Ph.D. students at lIM Bangalore. He serves as a visiting professor at Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) Germany, teaching courses on Platforms and digital transformation. He co-leads an international executive programme on Leading Digital Transformation, in cooperation with the FAU, Nuremberg and Fraunhofer Institute of Integrated Circuits lIS, Germany. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx