Discussion Points

1. The concept of "memory-holing" is a serious threat to a free and open internet, as it allows powerful individuals and organizations to hide their past mistakes and misdeeds.r
2. The use of copyright claims as a tool for memory-holing is particularly insidious, as it can be used to silence critics and erase embarrassing information from the public record.r
3. The existence of archived websites, such as the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, provides a crucial counterbalance to memory-holing efforts, allowing users to access and preserve historical content.Summary r The internet's ability to store and share information has created a powerful tool for those seeking to hide their past mistakes. "Memory-holing" allows individuals and organizations to erase embarrassing information from the public record, often through copyright claims or website changes. This threatens a free and open internet, as it silences critics and erases historical context. However, archived websites like the Wayback Machine provide a counterbalance, preserving earlier versions of content and allowing users to access a more complete picture of history. Preserving this functionality is crucial for a functioning democracy and an open society.