New Books in Economics
Ulises Ali Mejias and Nick Couldry, "Data Grab: The New Colonialism of Big Tech and How to Fight Back" (U Chicago Press, 2024)
Dec 21, 2024
Ulises Mejias, a Communication Studies professor, and Nick Couldry, a media and social theory expert, tackle the urgent issue of data colonialism in this thought-provoking discussion. They illuminate how Big Tech's data extraction mirrors historical colonial practices, disproportionately benefiting certain races while exploiting gig workers. The duo advocates for resistance, encouraging listeners to reconsider the implications of technology on labor dynamics and the environment. They emphasize the necessity of educating future generations to confront these pervasive issues head-on.
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Quick takeaways
- The extraction of personal data by Big Tech exemplifies modern data colonialism, paralleling historical practices of exploitation and control.
- Gig workers face severe rights erosion and income instability due to algorithmic surveillance and exploitation within data-driven platforms.
Deep dives
The Emergence of Data Colonialism
Data colonialism is defined as the continuous extraction and exploitation of personal data for wealth generation and social control. Large technology companies collect vast amounts of information from various sources, including social media interactions, online shopping behaviors, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This collection often goes unnoticed by users, who are generally unaware of how their data can impact aspects of life such as insurance rates, health assessments, and even governmental decisions. Ultimately, this data can be used to surveil and control social lives, asserting significant power over individuals and communities.
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