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FARSIGHT

The Tech Coup

Mar 10, 2025
Marietje Schaake, a Dutch politician and author, dives into the battle for digital sovereignty in Europe. She argues that a coup against democracy is underway, driven by tech giants gaining unprecedented influence. Schaake emphasizes the urgent need for effective regulation to prevent outsourcing vital societal functions to these companies. She also discusses how the EU can develop strong alternatives to American tech pressures, highlighting the importance of unifying responses to preserve talent and foster investment within Europe.
14:34

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Marietje Schaake warns that the growing influence of tech giants undermines democracy by outsourcing essential societal functions beyond democratic oversight.
  • Schaake emphasizes the need for Europe to develop a strong local tech ecosystem and regulatory frameworks to ensure digital sovereignty against American dominance.

Deep dives

The Growing Influence of Tech Giants

The struggle for control over digital technology is intensifying, particularly as tech giants expand their influence across various sectors. Europe's challenge is exacerbated by a weak local tech sector and increased reliance on American providers. Dutch politician Marietje Schaak discusses this trend in her book, where she argues that essential societal functions are being outsourced to these companies, thus escaping democratic oversight. This lack of accountability raises concerns about the implications for fundamental rights and governance in the digital age.

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