

Why Rest of World wants to change international tech news, with Sophie Schmidt and Louise Matsakis
Mar 17, 2021
Sophie Schmidt, founder of Rest of World, and Louise Matsakis, senior editor at the same publication, discuss the urgent need for global tech narratives beyond the West. They reveal insights about tech in countries like China, Kenya, and Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in combating misinformation. The duo also challenges misconceptions surrounding China’s social credit system and explores the ethical implications of emotion recognition technology. Their mission aims to bridge gaps in representation and foster a more inclusive understanding of international tech.
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Global Tech Solutions
- Rest of World founder Sophie Schmidt emphasizes the importance of looking outside the Western bubble for tech solutions.
- She points out that the majority of the world's population lives outside this bubble, offering diverse experiences and perspectives.
Google's Global Influence
- Sophie Schmidt recounts witnessing firsthand the global reception of Google during her father's tenure as CEO.
- This experience highlighted tech's growing power and the shift towards non-Western tech giants.
Misconceptions in Tech Reporting
- Louise Matsakis discusses her realization that Western journalists often misunderstand tech developments outside their region.
- She highlights the importance of local voices and Rest of World's commitment to elevating them.