# Platform Dependency **Domain:** Platforms / Ownership / Digital Infrastructure **Doc Type:** Canonical concept node **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition Platform dependency arises when identity, audience access, archives, revenue, or operational capability relies on infrastructure controlled by another organization. ## Mechanism and Significance Policy changes, ranking changes, technical failure, account loss, or altered access terms can propagate directly into a dependent project. Independent archives and diversified routes preserve options. ## Evidence Boundary Using a platform is not itself a failure of ownership. The relevant questions are which capabilities are portable, which records are retained, and what happens when access changes. ## Relationships [[wiki/Platform Custody|Platform Custody]] · [[wiki/Collection Gate Controlled by Platform Operator|Collection Gate Controlled by Platform Operator]] · [[wiki/Social Media|Social Media]] · [[wiki/Capitalism|Capitalism]] ## Related Articles and Collections - [[collections/Simple Reminders|Simple Reminders]] - [[articles/Bell Labs and the Distributed Architecture of American Power|Bell Labs and the Distributed Architecture of American Power]] - [[articles/Digital Darwinism and the Invisible World of Machine Evolution|Digital Darwinism and the Invisible World of Machine Evolution]] ## Simple Reminders, Quotations, and Thoughts > “Over-investing in one social platform is risky. Algorithms, rules, and audiences change, and a business built entirely on someone else's platform can lose its footing overnight. Diversifying across platforms while keeping some independent presence provides stability.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Constructing Genius With Technical Infrastructure for Distributed Publishing, Part 4 - Livestream (undated)* [[reminders/Capital Ownership/Platform Dependence Can Erase a Business Overnight by Bryant McGill|Platform Dependence Can Erase a Business Overnight by Bryant McGill]] > “Publishing for everyone is different from attention for everyone. Recommendation systems, timing, and established networks still shape who gets seen. Building a real audience takes strategy along with access.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Independent Media and the Democratization of Reach - Livestream (Oct 2015)* [[reminders/Information/Publishing Access Does Not Guarantee Attention by Bryant McGill|Publishing Access Does Not Guarantee Attention by Bryant McGill]]