Tech Won't Save Us The Threat of Data Colonialism w/ Ulises A. Mejias & Nick Couldry
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Oct 24, 2024 
Ulises A. Mejias, a Communication Studies professor, and Nick Couldry, a Media, Communications, and Social Theory professor, dive deep into the unsettling parallels between data colonialism and historical exploitation. They discuss how big tech’s data extraction practices echo the oppressive strategies of colonial powers. The conversation highlights the impact of algorithmic bias on marginalized communities and urges listeners to advocate for digital sovereignty. They also explore the importance of community agency in resisting these tech-driven frameworks.
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Data Colonialism: Seizing Human Life
- Data colonialism is the seizing of human life as an asset.
- This is achieved by tracing and trapping data for exploitation, similar to a land grab in traditional colonialism.
Data Colonialism: Official Definition
- Data colonialism appropriates human life through digital data for wealth and social control.
- While different from historical colonialism, the core function remains: extraction and dispossession.
Subtle Violence in Data Colonialism
- A key difference between data and traditional colonialism lies in the use of violence.
- Data colonialism exploits our integration into the capitalist system, using disguised violence like manipulative health data practices.
