Elon Musk's Digital Coup and the Future of the Internet ft. Cory Doctorow
Feb 7, 2025
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Cory Doctorow, a Canadian writer and tech critic, dives into Elon Musk's impact on digital governance and the looming threat of 'enshittification.' He explores the significance of public engagement in tech policy and the erosion of digital public space due to automated censorship. Doctorow also discusses his upcoming historical techno thriller about empowered women in the 1980s and critiques the polarized ideologies surrounding public health measures. The conversation balances hope and activism in the face of a chaotic political landscape.
The conversation reveals concerns about Elon Musk's power within federal agencies and its potential implications on individual privacy and data security.
Cory Doctorow highlights the importance of grassroots movements in fostering hope and change amidst the oppressive dynamics of major tech platforms and policies.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Technology and Resistance
A discussion unfolds about the transformative nature of technology and the challenges that come with it. The conversation highlights the historical context of early personal computer companies, particularly in the 1980s, and the emerging social dynamics surrounding them. The narrative focuses on a fictional techno-thriller involving a grifty computer company and its confrontations with socially progressive characters who are rallying against exploitation. This storyline illustrates the broader theme that technology can either empower or oppress, depending on who controls it and the intent behind it.
The Role of Elon Musk in Government
Elon Musk's recent appointment to a federal agency raises significant concerns about privacy and government oversight. The episode outlines how Musk's access to sensitive systems could lead to potential breaches of security and the exploitation of personal data. It emphasizes the risky trajectory of his administration's relationship with federal power, noting that the implications could reach far and wide, impacting both governance and individual privacy. The discussion emphasizes the urgency of understanding and responding to such threats in the current political landscape.
Hope Amidst Political Challenges
The conversation pivots to highlighting feelings of despair and hope amidst troubling political dynamics, especially regarding the tech industry and its regulators. Discussion encompasses the importance of human agency in enacting change and the idea that each small positive action can contribute to a more equitable future. It also emphasizes the need to actively oppose harmful policies rather than resigning to a fatalistic outlook. By acknowledging the potential for grassroots movements to challenge established powers, the dialogue cultivates a sense of hope for audiences invested in social and technological reforms.
The Future of Digital Rights in a Transforming Landscape
The episode critically examines the current state of digital rights and the implications of recent developments in technology and policy. It touches upon the potential erosion of speech rights and the challenges associated with the dominance of large tech platforms. The discussion suggests that ensuring robust environments for free expression requires addressing liability issues that disproportionately affect smaller platforms. Ultimately, it calls for a reassessment of strategies that promote diverse and inclusive dialogue in the face of growing corporate control over the digital space.
Paris is out this week, so we found another esteemed Canadian writer, activist, and tech critic to log in as System Crash's first-ever guest host: Cory Doctorow. Brian and Cory examine Elon Musk’s campaign of governmental destruction in Washington DC, how enshittification will continue to unfold in 2025, and what, if any, hope there is for us, the humans and the users.
Cory Doctorow is the author of many bestselling science fiction novels and works of nonfiction. His latest is Picks and Shovels, out February 18th from MacMillan.