For a Better Web

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-...

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 des...

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 crit...

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 Jon von Tetzchner – For...

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 inflat...

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-t...

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 W...

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 abou...

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...

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 o...

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...

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...

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’...

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 t...