TED Talks Daily
Can big tech and privacy coexist? | Carole Cadwalladr and Chris Anderson
Apr 13, 2025
Carole Cadwalladr, an investigative journalist known for her work on the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, joins Chris Anderson in a crucial conversation. They discuss the dangers of surveillance fascism and the alarming power dynamics between big tech and democracy. Carole emphasizes the urgent need for independent media as a bulwark against information chaos. The episode raises vital questions about data ethics and the implications of technology on personal privacy and political power, urging listeners to champion ethical standards and support journalistic integrity.
35:25
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Quick takeaways
- The unchecked power of big tech poses an alarming threat to democracy, as their influence risks creating autocratic governance and undermining citizens' rights.
- Independent journalism is essential for preserving democratic integrity, highlighting the need for sustainable reporting models free from the financial pressures of tech dominance.
Deep dives
The Digital Coup and Tech Oligarchies
The discussion highlights the rising influence of technology leaders in politics, suggesting that the convergence of major tech figures and political powers creates an unprecedented threat to democratic structures. This phenomenon resembles a digital coup, as tech giants, including notable figures like Elon Musk, leverage their data access to gain unprecedented control over critical information systems. Their actions contribute to a form of governance that may forewarn the emergence of new autocratic regimes. The central message is that without proper oversight, the unchecked power of these entities risks eroding democratic protections.
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