The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

Digital Democracy: Moving Beyond ‘Big Tech’ to Save Open Societies with Audrey Tang

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Mar 26, 2025

Audrey Tang, Taiwan's Digital Minister and Cyber Ambassador-at-large, passionately discusses how technology can preserve democracy and enhance civic engagement. She shares insights from Taiwan's Sunflower Movement, showcasing innovative digital tools that foster public dissent and collaboration. Tang emphasizes utilizing social media to combat polarization and misinformation, while advocating for decentralized technology that prioritizes community well-being. The conversation highlights the significance of language in democratic participation and the role of intergenerational collaboration in resilient governance.

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ANECDOTE

Sunflower Movement

Audrey Tang's involvement in Taiwanese politics began with the Sunflower Movement.
This 2014 movement saw peaceful occupation of parliament for three weeks to protest a trade deal with Beijing.

INSIGHT

Demonstrate, Don't Just Protest

Proactive demonstrations offering alternatives are more effective than protests focused on critique.
Audrey Tang emphasizes showcasing solutions alongside highlighting problems.

ANECDOTE

Combating Deepfakes

Taiwan countered deepfake ads by surveying 200,000 citizens about online information integrity.
450 demographically representative people then deliberated online, leading to swift cross-party legislation.

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As the world is increasingly shaped by the dominance of ‘Big Tech’ – including the race for Artificial Intelligence – the outsized impact on our democratic and information systems has left many with fears and confusion about the path forward. But what if we could use technology as a tool that helps preserve the values of democracy and increases civic engagement, rather than eroding them? Furthermore, what sorts of people, projects, and policies are already paving the way?

Today Nate is joined by Taiwanese Digital Ambassador at large, Audrey Tang, to explore real-world examples of how technology is being leveraged globally to address – and in some cases reverse – critical societal challenges, such as polarization, misinformation, and the erosion of trust in governments and institutions.Tang emphasizes the importance of digital democracy, civic engagement, and incentivizing care in our policy making decisions to create a better experience and world for all humans.

Is it possible to use social media as a tool that unifies citizens across polarized societies? How could technology be used to amplify the voices of citizens and influence policy making with human and planetary well-being in mind? And finally, even as technological corporations continue to consolidate power, what options are available to individuals who want to engage with technology in new and empowering ways?

(Conversation recorded on March 4th, 2025)

About Audrey Tang:

Audrey Tang is Taiwan’s Cyber Ambassador-at-large and was the first Digital Minister of Taiwan. Audrey is celebrated for their pioneering efforts in digital freedom. Named one of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in AI” in 2023, Tang was instrumental in shaping Taiwan’s internationally acclaimed COVID-19 response and in safeguarding the 2024 presidential and legislative elections from foreign cyber interference. Audrey is now focused on broadening their vision of Plurality — technology for collaborative diversity — to inspire global audiences.

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