For a Better Web

About For a Better Web

I'm Bruce, and for over 20 years I've been working to make the web more accessible, private, and open to everyone, not just those using the latest devices or willing to hand over their data to corporations. In this podcast, I chat with people fighting for a better web in their own way: accessibility experts, privacy advocates, developers pushing web standards forward, anti-monopoly voices, and people building alternatives to Big Tech tools. I hope you'll join me in meeting these inspiring individuals and hearing what it actually takes to build a more open, inclusive internet.

Publisher

Vivaldi Browser

Category

technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Aug 2024

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Little Tech vs. Big Tech with Harry Godfrey

   Bruce's victim this time is Harry Godfrey, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Little Tech Association. Harry and Bruce talk about who’s actually representing startups in Washington, and who claims to represent them while actually serving Big Tech’s interests. They get into how incumbents use market power to shut out competitors, why Harry sees smart, targeted regulation as the thing that keeps markets open rather than the opposite, and what the antitrust breakups of Microsoft, AT&T and Standard Oil may suggest about the moment tech is in now with AI. Show notes: Little Tech Association (https://littletech.org) Andy Yen on For a Better Web (https://vivaldi.com/blog/10-andy-yen-proton-for-a-better-web/) Patricia Egger (Proton security) (https://vivaldi.com/blog/patricia-egger-proton-for-a-better-web/) on For a Better Web (https://vivaldi.com/blog/patricia-egger-proton-for-a-better-web/) Gene Burrus on For a Better Web (https://vivaldi.com/blog/9-gene-burrus-for-a-better-web/) US vs Microsoft (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Microsoft_Corp.) US vs Apple (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Microsoft_Corp.) How George Harrison – and a very naughty boy – saved British cinema (https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/apr/03/george-harrison-beatle-monty-python-life-of-brian-handmade-studios) Chapters: (0:00) Intro: meet Harry Godfrey (0:42) What is the Little Tech Association? (1:19) Lobbyist or advocate? (1:54) Vivaldi's ties to LTA (2:26) Three types of tech lobbies (5:24) Why Big Tech funds fake groups (6:40) Defining "little" and "tech" (8:39) What unites LTA's 240+ members (11:56) Capitalist to its core (14:23) Who doesn't get to join LTA (18:44) LTA's founding members (23:06) Regulation: pro-growth or not? (28:38) Harry's path: clean tech to LTA (33:48) AI's dorm-room moment (34:37) How antitrust built Google (37:19) George Harrison or Harrison Ford? (38:03) Wrap-up

2. 

   29 Jul 2026

   The Apple Rule Still Limiting What Web Apps Can Do

   This podcast series follows Bruce as he interviews people from across different communities and industries who, in their own way, are fighting for a better web. Bruce's victim this time is Alex Moore, co-founder of Open Web Advocacy. We discuss why web apps still barely work on the iPhone, the rule that forces every browser on iOS to run on Apple's engine and quietly limits what web apps can do, and the five year regulatory fight, spanning the UK, EU, Japan, the US and Australia, to change that. Alex also walks through the moment Apple tried to kill web apps across the EU entirely, and why he thinks Apple's privacy and security arguments don't hold up. Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Alex Moore 01:31 What Open Web Advocacy does 02:49 The founders and volunteers behind OWA 04:31 Apple's attempted EU web app ban09:40 Why Alex took on this fight 10:17 The coffee shop job that started it all 12:28 Tweeting at WebKit and getting ignored 14:08 Turning to regulators instead of Apple 16:18 Every regulator OWA has approached 18:10 Is this just an anti-Apple crusade? 20:54 Why no other OS blocks browsers like iOS 23:35 Why does 10% of phones matter? 26:06 How interoperability makes or breaks apps 28:20 The real cost of Apple's 30% cut 29:55 Is Apple really more secure and private? 38:33 A day in the life of a web advocate 41:42 Are they going to win? 44:11 Closing thoughts and how to get involved Show notes: Open Web Advocacy (https://open-web-advocacy.org ) Alex Moore (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlmoore/ ) PWA open letter (https://open-web-advocacy.org/blog/its-official-apple-kills-web-apps-in-the-eu/ ) Apple rule 2.5 (the WebKit restriction) (https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#:~:text=Apps%20that%20browse%20the%20web%20must%20use%20the%20appropriate%20WebKit%20framework%20and%20WebKit%20JavaScript. ) Stuart Langridge (https://www.kryogenix.org) Japanese "Smartphone Act" (PDF) (https://www.jftc.go.jp/file/240612EN3.pdf ) WebAPK minting (https://issues.chromium.org/issues/40195497 ) How Russian firms get their apps into App Store despite sanctions (https://www.intellinews.com/how-russian-firms-get-their-apps-into-app-store-despite-sanctions-449709/ ) "A plastic butter knife to a gunfight" (https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2021/04/10/apple-iphone-app-store-fleeceware-scam-iphone-12-pro-max/ ) Loupe app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/loupe-what-apps-can-see/id6766152470 ) Apple says Safari's browser engine sandbox for orders of magnitude more secure than that for native apps [PDF] (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62277271d3bf7f158779fe39/Apple_11.3.22.pdf ) Fraudulent app attempting to impersonate our LastPass app on the Apple App Store (https://blog.lastpass.com/posts/warning-fraudulent-app-impersonating-lastpass-currently-available-in-apple-app-store ) Russell Crowe (https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/17/russell-crowe-goes-unnoticed-in-new-york-city-as-he-dons-impressive-prosthetics-8150229/ )

3. 

   25 Jun 2026

   The Future of Search, Privacy, and Digital Independence with Wolfgang Oels (Ecosia)

   In this podcast series, Bruce interviews people from across different communities and industries who, in their own way, are fighting for a better web. In this episode, Bruce’s victim is Wolfgang Oels, Chief Operating Officer of Ecosia, We discuss the importance of Digital Sovereignty, the European Search Perspective –the new European search index that Ecosia co-founded– and Wolfgang’s so-crazy-it-just-might-work scheme to buy Chromium for 1 Euro, and save the planet as a result. #Vivaldi #ForABetterWeb #ecosia #searchengine #europian #TechPodcast

4. 

   15 May 2026

   Sidephone:
Placing Real
Life First

   In this episode, Bruce’s victims are Sebastian Snell and Chris Ristovski, co-founders of Sidephone, a newly-released device that is intentionally not smart, but also not completely dumb, so you can put real life first.The conversation covers how modern smartphones evolved into consumption-first devices, the philosophy behind Sidephone’s “real life first” approach, and how intentional hardware design can encourage healthier relationships with technology. Chris and Sebastian also discuss balancing simplicity with modern functionality, building outside Big Tech ecosystems using AOSP, the challenges surrounding RCS and platform gatekeeping, and why openness, experimentation, and greater device variety matter for the future of technology.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by modern smartphones or miss technology that feels more human, this episode is for you. Listen now, rethink your relationship with your devices, and discover a healthier, more intentional way to connect with the web.Show notes:Sidephone - https://sidephone.comRich Communication Services (RCS) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Communication_Services#Sidephone #Vivaldi #ForABetterWeb #Dumbphone #Minimalism #DigitalWellbeing #AOSP #Android #TechPodcast

5. 

   27 Feb 2026

   Security Deep Dive: Exploring Modern Security with Patricia Egger (Proton)

   In this episode, Bruce meets with Patricia Egger a.k.a. the Goddess of Security at Proton, for an insightful conversation about privacy, encryption, and what it truly means to build a safer and better web. The conversation covers the security mindset, the real risks behind AI and “shadow AI,” how small vulnerabilities can escalate into major breaches, and why email and password management are critical foundations of digital security. Patricia also shares practical advice on helping non-technical users improve their privacy, emphasising that progress matters more than perfection. If you care about protecting your digital life, or want to help friends and family do the same, this episode is for you. Listen now, rethink your security habits, and take your first step toward a more private web. ------------------ Show notes: Proton - https://proton.meAnother episode with Andy Yen from Proton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndlCMGxLQ38&pp=0gcJCaIKAYcqIYzv Proton VPN on Vivaldi - https://vivaldi.com/protonvpn/

6. 

   30 Dec 2025

   2025: Big Tech, AI and Browsers

   Jón and Bruce reflect on the year in tech - what happened with browser choice, Big Tech's grip on the market, AI everywhere, and why they think independent browsers matter. They also share their favorite Vivaldi features and why browsers should work for you, not the other way around. Show notes: Ten years of making new friends by building a browser for you, not Big Tech (https://vivaldi.com/blog/ten-years-of-making-new-friends-by-building-a-browser-for-you-not-big-tech/) Jon von Tetzchner – For a Better Web 2024 review (https://vivaldi.com/blog/better-web/5-jon-von-tetzchner-for-a-better-web-2024-review/) Apple Opens iOS to Developers in Japan (https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-apple-ios-changes-japan/) Y Combinator urges the White House to support Europe’s Digital Markets Act (https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/13/y-combinator-urges-the-white-house-to-support-europes-digital-markets-act/) Vivaldi takes a stand: keep browsing human (https://vivaldi.com/blog/keep-exploring/ ) “A.I.” browsers: the price of admission is too high (https://vivaldi.com/blog/a-i-browsers-the-price-of-admission-is-too-high/) Parliament must buy European IT, lawmakers tell Metsola (https://www.euractiv.com/news/parliament-must-buy-european-it-lawmakers-tell-metsola/ )

7. 

   19 Jun 2025

   Proton CEO Andy Yen on the Future of European Tech

   Bruce chats with Andy Yen, founder and CEO of Proton, about what it’s like for a European company to take on Big Tech. Andy shares his journey from leaving CERN as a particle physicist to building one of the most trusted privacy-focused companies in the world. He breaks down the lies behind VPN marketing, why most companies can't be trusted, and how Apple and Google's 30 percent tax inflates your bills. He also explains Europe’s trillion-dollar tech mistake. From VPN myths to Swiss privacy laws, European tech independence, antitrust politics, and Proton’s plan to tackle tariffs and Big Tech taxes, this episode is an umbrella drink filled to the brim with hot topics you’ll want to sip all summer long. ------------------ Show notes: Proton on X/Twitter (https://x.com/ProtonPrivacy) DH Lawrence's Relativity poem (https://www.yourdailypoem.com/listpoem.jsp?poem_id=931) Simon Migliano, Top10VPN (https://www.top10vpn.com/about/vpn-experts/simonmigliano/) Proton Foundation (https://proton.me/foundation) Swiss ordinance (https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/secure-encryption-and-online-anonymity-are-now-at-risk-in-switzerland-heres-what-you-need-to-know) Proton threatens to quit Switzerland over new surveillance law (https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/we-would-be-less-confidential-than-google-proton-threatens-to-quit-switzerland-over-new-surveillance-law) Gail Slater, The Woman Leading the Surging MAGA Antitrust Movement (https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/05/09/gail-slater-donald-trump-antitrust-00277348) A judge just blew up Apple's control of the App Store (https://www.theverge.com/news/659246/apple-epic-app-store-judge-ruling-control) EuroStack (https://euro-stack.eu) The First Three Minutes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_Three_Minutes) Double Hidden Charm Tetraquark (https://home.cern/news/news/physics/twice-charm-long-lived-exotic-particle-discovered)

8. 

   9 May 2025

   The Browser Wars: Then and Now

   In this episode, Bruce chats with Gene Burrus, who formerly worked as Assistant General Counsel for Microsoft, working on legal compliance after the landmark Netscape anti-trust case, and now advises Vivaldi and others in the Browser Choice Alliance about how to stop Microsoft going back to its old ways. On the way, we discuss the Cold War, TV courtroom dramas, and why Gene prefers to be poacher-turned-gamekeeper.------------Show notes: Burrus Competition Strategies (https://burruscompstrategies.com) Gene on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-burrus-7a862813/) Browser Choice Alliance (https://browserchoicealliance.org) United States v. Microsoft Corp ("Netscape case") (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Microsoft_Corp.) Vivaldi’s Open Letter — Microsoft DMA Compliance (https://vivaldi.com/blog/vivaldis-open-letter-microsoft-dma-compliance/) Microsoft Edge pseudo-protocol (https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/15/22782802/microsoft-block-edgedeflector-windows-11 ) Commission finds Apple and Meta in breach of the Digital Markets Act (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1085) Vivaldi’s statement on Apple and Meta DMA anti-trust fines (https://vivaldi.com/blog/news/official-statement-regarding-the-eus-first-dma-antitrust-fines/) Bruce Sewell, Former General Counsel of Apple Interviewed (https://youtu.be/-wuf3KI76Ds?si=jCGc8Lum-x3vXzFB ) "Competition is what will ensure that Apple’s conduct and business decisions do not thwart the next Apple" from DOJ and States vs Apple (https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/media/1344546/dl?inline) "Objection, your honor!" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU9g7XuCdGU)

9. 

   8 Apr 2025

   Tales from the CSS Working Group

   Bruce chats with Miriam Suzanne, a CSS expert and independent contributor to the CSS Working Group, to talk about all things CSS. They geek out over the latest and greatest features like Cascade Layers, Scope, Mixins, and Container Queries, exploring how these features impact web design. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for web development and some insider stories from the CSS Working Group. You can support Miriam's independent contibutions at: Oddbird open source (https://opencollective.com/oddbird-open-source) ---- Show notes: Miriam's website (Miriam) Miriam on Mastodon: @mia@front-end.social Miriam's work website Oddbird (https://www.oddbird.net ) Cascading HTML style sheets - (original proposal) ( https://www.w3.org/People/howcome/p/cascade.html ) CSS Container Queries spec (https://www.w3.org/TR/css-contain-3/) CSS Mixins and Functions spec (https://css.oddbird.net/sasslike/mixins-functions/) Cascade Layers spec (https://www.w3.org/TR/css-cascade-5/ ) @Scope spec (Working Draft) (https://www.w3.org/TR/css-cascade-6/ ) Choosing a Masonry Syntax in CSS (https://www.oddbird.net/2024/10/01/grid-masonry-nuance/ ) Tech continues to be political (https://www.miriamsuzanne.com/2025/02/12/tech-ai-wtf/ )

10. 

    12 Mar 2025

    Digital Rights = Human Rights: Why It Matters

    In this episode, Bruce talks with Jan Penfrat from European Digital Rights (EDRi) about the importance of defending digital rights as human rights in an increasingly digital world. We chat about EDRi's work advocating for these rights within the EU, the challenges they face against Big Tech lobbying, and key battles surrounding privacy, surveillance, and the power of tech companies. Learn about how EDRi is working to ensure a better, more rights-respecting web for everyone. Show notes: EDRi (https://edri.org) Jan on Mastodon (https://eupolicy.social/@ilumium) EDRI’s open letter to the EU (https://edri.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/EU-resist-Big-Tech-bullying-open-letter-Jan-2025.pdf) Why EDRi is leaving X (https://edri.org/our-work/why-edri-is-leaving-x-and-where-to-find-us/) Changes at the CMA (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/22/doug-gurr-amazon-uk-ex-boss-appointment-competition-and-markets-authority-cma) Chaos Computer Club: Ban tracking and personalised advertising (https://www.ccc.de/en/updates/2024/tracking-verbot) Albert Speer’s Nuremberg testimony (https://avalon.law.yale.edu/imt/08-31-46.asp#:~:text=Hitler%27s%20dictatorship%20differed%20in%20one%20fundamental%20point%20from%20all%20its%20predecessors%20in%20history.%20His%20was%20the%20first%20dictatorship%20in%20the%20present%20period%20of%20modern%20technical%20development%2C%20a%20dictatorship%20which%20made%20complete%20use%20of%20all%20technical%20means%20in%20a%20perfect%20manner%20for%20the%20domination%20of%20its%20own%20nation) Jan’s bike blog (https://biketheworld.blog)

11. 

    3 Feb 2025

    Funding the Web Platform for the Future

    Ever wondered how the features in your favorite browser come to life? In this episode, Bruce Lawson from Vivaldi Browser chats with Stephanie Stimac from Igalia, the open-source consultancy that’s quietly shaping the web.Listen to how a small team of 22 people is driving major browser advancements like CSS Grid and the :has() selector. Stephanie shares her journey from corporate life at Microsoft to Igalia’s cooperative model, where decisions are made collectively, and everyone has an equal say.We also talk about the development of browser engines and the challenges of funding open-source projects. Whether you’re a developer or just curious about how the web evolves, this conversation offers a glimpse behind the scenes of browser development.Show notes: Stephanie's personal site (https://stephaniestimac.com) Stephanie on Mastodon: @seaotta@toot.cafe Stephanie's weekly newsletter (https://webwitchweekly.beehiiv.com ) Igalia website (https://www.igalia.com) Bloomberg & Igalia, CSS Grid (https://bkardell.com/blog/Beyond.html) The CSS Highlight Inheritance Model (https://blogs.igalia.com/schenney/the-css-highlight-inheritance-model/) CSS :has() (https://brucelawson.co.uk/2024/css-has-the-god-selector/ ) Servo project (https://servo.org) Verso (https://wusyong.github.io/posts/verso-0-1/) State of the Browser talk (https://2024.stateofthebrowser.com/speaker/stephanie-stimac/ ) "Spice" in Dune (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melange_(Dune)) Google vs DOJ (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2kxpn2k08do)

12. 

    28 Dec 2024

    Reviewing 2024 with Jón von Tetzchner: Brat or Næt

    Join Bruce Lawson and Vivaldi Browser CEO Jón von Tetzchner as they review the top tech stories of 2024! In this episode, they discuss the landmark Google monopoly ruling, the shifting dynamics of the browser market, and their thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro. They also explore the future of Chromium, rate each topic as "brat" (good) or "næt" (not so good), and share insights on the challenges of building and maintaining a browser engine. Show notes: Mr Shakespeare’s comedies (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespearean_comedy) Google vs DOJ (https://www.theverge.com/23869483/us-v-google-search-antitrust-case-updates) United States v. Apple (2024) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Apple_(2024)) Bloomberg terminals based on Chromium (https://www.nearform.com/insights/bloomberg-invests-in-node-js-shouldnt-you/) Presto rendering engine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presto_(browser_engine)) KHTML (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KHTML) Vivaldi user agent changes (https://vivaldi.com/blog/user-agent-changes/) Open source maintainers are drowning in junk bug reports written by AI (https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/10/ai_slop_bug_reports/) BCA (https://vivaldi.com/blog/browser-choice-alliance-launch/) Vivaldi Social for a free Mastodon account (https://social.vivaldi.net/) Social Web Foundation launches, supported by Vivaldi (https://vivaldi.com/blog/social-web-foundation-launches-supported-by-vivaldi/)

13. 

    2 Dec 2024

    The Past, Present and Future of Web Accessibility

    In this episode of For a Better Web, Bruce chats with Léonie Watson, accessibility advocate and director of TetraLogical. They dive into Léonies journey from web designer to accessibility champion, her work with the W3C, and the challenges of making the internet better for everyone. From navigating accessibility standards to why keyboard testing is a game-changer for developers, it’s a mix of tech insights and great stories (including the time Léonie accidentally hugged Tim Berners-Lee!). Whether you’re a web developer or just curious about how the web works behind the scenes, this episode has something for you. Show notes: Léonie’s personal website (https://tink.uk) Léonie on Mastodon (https://w3c.social/@tink) TetraLogical website (https://tetralogical.com) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) (https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/) Web Applications Working Group (https://www.w3.org/groups/wg/webapps/) Draft W3C Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0 (https://www.w3.org/TR/wcag-3.0/) HTML design principles (https://www.w3.org/TR/html-design-principles/) Web Incubator Community Group (WICG) (https://wicg.io) “The remediation gap” blogpost (https://www.tpgi.com/mind-the-remediation-gap/) W3C Board of Directors (https://www.w3.org/groups/other/board/) Eloas v Microsoft patent case (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eolas) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eolas)Keyboard testing video (https://tetralogical.com/blog/2022/01/18/quick-accessibility-tests-anyone-can-do/#test-6%3A-keyboard-support) “Accessibility Unlocked”: TetraLogical’s introduction to accessibility ( https://tetralogical.com/newsletters/accessibility-unlocked/) Maguire v Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (2000) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maguire_v_Sydney_Organising_Committee_for_the_Olympic_Games_(2000))

14. 

    8 Nov 2024

    The Fediverse - The Road to an Open Social Web

    In this episode, Bruce’s guest is Evan Prodromou, Research Director of the newly-launched Social Web Foundation. They discuss interconnected social networks and ActivityPub, the open standard that Evan co-authored which enables cross-platform connections, how this tech reshapes online interactions, and the Foundation’s work to support digital rights and diversity. They also go into key topics like privacy, content control, and the importance of diverse voices in social media. Show notes: Evan on Mastodon (https://cosocial.ca/@evan) Social Web Foundation (https://socialwebfoundation.org) Social Web Foundation launches, supported by Vivaldi (https://vivaldi.com/blog/social-web-foundation-launches-supported-by-vivaldi/) ActivityPub specification (https://www.w3.org/TR/activitypub/) Data Portability in ActivityPub (“LOLA”, draft) (https://swicg.github.io/activitypub-data-portability/) Threads has entered The Fediverse (https://engineering.fb.com/2024/03/21/networking-traffic/threads-has-entered-the-fediverse/)

15. 

    1 Oct 2024

    Privacy, PWAs, Protecting People ... and Pianos

    Bruce chats with John Ozbay, founder of Cryptee, a privacy-preserving photo and notes Progressive Web App based in Estonia. They discuss how he keeps the platform insulated from Big Tech and how, when Apple tried to remove Progressive Web Apps across the EU with just three weeks' notice, he fought to save his company, employees, and customers—eventually traveling to Brussels to question Apple’s lawyers. They also talk about the piano he built. Show notes: John's webpage: https://johnozbay.com (https://johnozbay.com) Cryptee: https://crypt.ee (https://crypt.ee)

16. 

    27 Aug 2024

    Navigating Europe's Digital Frontier

    In this engaging first episode, we sit down with Jón von Tetzchner, CEO of Vivaldi, and Laurent Ach, CTO of Qwant, to discuss the unique missions and values of Vivaldi and Qwant—two European tech pioneers committed to privacy, innovation, and user empowerment. Discover how these companies embody European identity in the digital world, from their adherence to stringent data protection regulations to their support for diverse European languages and cultures. We also take a deep dive into the technical challenges and triumphs of building a search engine and a browser, exploring topics like crawling, ranking, and indexing through Qwant's ongoing rebuild efforts. Finally, we discuss the vital role of user feedback and community engagement in shaping their products. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about Europe's digital landscape, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of privacy-first technology.

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.