The Digital Press

Model Context Protocol (MCP), designed by Anthropic and now supported by OpenAI and others, is rapidly becoming a widely adopted, open but loosely specified standard for AI tools to interact with apps and systems. This resurgence of open protocols echoes the Web 2.0 era's values of interoperability and user control, though challenges and skepticism remain about whether true openness can be sustained.

Why it matters: MCP could revive open, interoperable web platforms, allowing AI and developers to programmatically access diverse services beyond closed ecosystems.

The big picture: The protocol reflects a return to Web 2.0 ideals of open APIs and user empowerment, contrasting with the proprietary dominance that stifled innovation.

The stakes: Security and transparency remain weak in MCP, risking user data misuse and platform control without clear safeguards or standards bodies.

Commenters say: Many caution MCP isn’t a true open standard and worry that economic incentives and platform control will limit its success and openness. Some see it as repeating past tech hype cycles.