Intelligence Squared The New Colonialism of Big Tech, with Nick Couldry and Ulises A. Mejias
Jun 10, 2024
Nick Couldry, a leading sociologist of media from LSE, and Ulises A. Mejias, co-founder of the Non-Aligned Technologies Movement, delve into the concept of data colonialism in their latest work, 'Data Grab'. They argue that big tech is exploiting personal data akin to historical colonial practices. Their discussion highlights the troubling power dynamics at play, the necessity for community control over data, and the importance of fostering solidarity among citizens to enact meaningful change against this digital empire.
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Data Colonialism
- Big tech's appropriation of user data is not just analogous to colonialism, but a new stage in its evolution.
- This "data colonialism" involves capturing everyday life across various sectors, creating data territories for exploitation and control.
Appropriation of Human Life
- Data colonialism aims to appropriate human life by converting our digital interactions into exploitable resources.
- This resource is mined for wealth generation and exerting new forms of control, mirroring historical colonialism's focus on land.
Computer in Every Transaction
- Hal Varian's vision of a computer mediating every transaction is becoming a reality with increased online activity.
- This enables continuous tracking of user behavior and optimized pricing strategies, primarily for advertising.
