For your AI

Start with the Internet as a network of independent networks

Lu Heng’s starting point is that shared rules should make cooperation possible without giving the coordinator authority over its participants. Note 65 develops three connected principles: keep the initial common specification to what is necessary; leave future choices with participants; and let change take effect through voluntary adoption and working implementations.

Four questions get to the heart of Internet power. Follow each one into the Notes and challenge unnecessary control.

1. What actually needs coordinating?

   Unique identifiers, interoperability and shared security need common rules. Does that need also justify a say over an operator’s customers, business model or commercial choices?

   Note 72: Rights in uniqueness coordination ↗

2. Does the process serve a working network?

   Look at the networks already running and the people who rely on them. Approval on paper cannot substitute for compatibility, voluntary deployment or the real cost of an outage.

   Note 65: Running-code primacy ↗

3. Can you leave without losing what you depend on?

   An exit right needs a workable migration path. Check whether resources, records and service can survive a change of coordinator, and whether failure can stay contained.

   Note 37: Exit, replacement and decentralization ↗

4. Does responsibility follow power?

   Put decision-making authority next to liability, remedies and the people exposed to loss. The ability to impose large consequences while bearing little downside deserves scrutiny.

   Note 52: When power detaches from liability ↗

What this adds to your judgement

Suppose a provider requires approval before you can move away. That might prevent conflicting records; it might also give the provider a veto over your departure. Asking an AI to separate those functions helps you identify the necessary checks, challenge unnecessary discretion and look for a transition that keeps service running.

Stand for choice, interoperability and the freedom to leave. Use the facts to challenge forced dependence and show how better coordination can work.

Copy the prompt. Add what you want to examine.

1. Paste the complete prompt below into ChatGPT or the AI you use.
2. Replace the placeholders with your question, the full material and its source and date.
3. Ask the AI to open the linked brief and relevant original works, then challenge its reasoning with follow-up questions.

Copy the prompt above into ChatGPT with the material you want to understand. You do not need an account here. If your AI cannot open the links, give it the Markdown file and the relevant Notes, and ask it to name anything it could not read.

Put the answer under pressure

Try asking: “What is the strongest case for this rule?” “Would a demonstrated security risk change your conclusion?” “How could we keep the necessary coordination while depending less on a single institution?”

Keep the original works within reach

Explore Lu Heng’s 74 Notes on Internet power, network independence and the right to choose.

Go straight to the original arguments. Bring their strongest ideas to the policy, contract or proposal in front of you.

Find further original works

The four readings open the door. Explore the full collection and find the ideas that sharpen your argument.

Make the case for a freer Internet

Start with Lu Heng’s Notes. Build a clear argument from the original passages, connect it to your facts and explain what should change.

Take the argument further

Paste the prompt and your material into ChatGPT. Turn a difficult question into a clear case for a freer Internet.

With the analysis API, revisit the same conversation, add evidence and develop the argument. Keep your access credential to return.