Most users think of the internet as a direct line, but it’s actually a fragile web of over 90,000 independent networks held together by the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). In this episode, Herman and Corn dive into the terrifying world of BGP hijacking—a technique where governments or malicious actors "lie" to the internet to reroute traffic through their own servers. Using historical maneuvers as a case study, the duo examines whether high-security apps like Signal can truly protect your data when the underlying roads of the web are compromised. They break down the difference between message content and the "who, when, and where" of metadata, explaining why your encrypted messages might be safe while your identity remains exposed. From the technical hurdles of RPKI adoption to the rise of the "splinternet," this conversation reveals the structural vulnerabilities of our digital world. Is our global communication network built on a foundation of trust that no longer exists? Tune in to find out how the invisible infrastructure of the web defines the future of digital sovereignty and personal privacy.
