Thread · 4 tweets · 19 Nov 2022

That's a very good point and one with a simple explanation: I don't think that most people in digital businesses see the web as less subject to the power dynamics that prevail over app stores. We can debate whether that's exactly right, but I think it is directionally correct.

What are the only two browsers that matter? Chrome and Safari. So we're already dealing with the same companies. Can you keep your user data to yourself? Nope, Chrome Sync means Google spies on your business in the same way that app platforms do.

Who makes the most influential decisions regarding features or privacy? Yup, same folks. The Web's remaining difference used to be that you could decide what parts of the experience you prioritise for your users, as opposed to eg. Apple telling you to do dark mode now.

But CWV killed that. Now some random Silicon Valley bro overrides your product priorities with their own. So why *wouldn't* you push people into your apps? The Web is just as controlled just messier.