Platformization: The platform organizational form is eating the world and we can do better
Apr 14, 2024
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Gianmarco Cristofari and the host discuss platforms as markets within markets, socialist history of cybernetics, platforms vs. protocols in web3, Extinction Rebellion's tech relationship. They delve into platform studies, cybernetics, technological sovereignty, code governance challenges, sortition, citizen assemblies, radical movements, and the future of platformization and crypto integration.
56:29
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Quick takeaways
Platforms are markets within markets, exploring marketplace elements and value extraction mechanisms.
European regulations aim to balance market access and governance structures, highlighting challenges and opportunities for platforms.
Deep dives
The Experience at the Bread Chain House and Meeting the Author
Staying at the Bread Chain House was a good experience, accompanied by the anticipation of meeting the author beforehand. The encounter exceeded expectations, transitioning the initial ghostly anticipation into a positive friendship. The book's depiction of the author's personality was reflective of their real-life traits, as observed by the guest.
John Marco's Background and Activism Involvement
John Marco Cristo Fari, a lawyer with a background in data protection and labor law, engaged in political activism, notably with Extinction Rebellion. His activism intersected with legal research, emphasizing critical issues like the climate crisis and the implications of platformization in his work.
Defining Platforms and Platformization
The podcast delves into defining platforms as market infrastructures that converge service providers and users within controlled environments. The concept of platformization explores the evolution of digital entities, emphasizing marketplace elements and value extraction mechanisms. Discussion extends to the managerial and materialistic definitions of platforms, emphasizing infrastructural distribution and value acquisition.
Geopolitics of Platforms and European Regulation
The geopolitical landscape surrounding platforms involves nuanced dynamics between global tech giants and European regulatory frameworks. Emphasizing the need for technological sovereignty, European regulations aim to balance market access and governance structures. The conversation highlights potential challenges and opportunities for European platforms amidst international competition and regulatory shifts.
My friend and researcher of the politics of tech platforms, Gianmarco Cristofari recently had an extended in my apartment and so we thought it'd be a great opportunity to interview each other. He interviewed me here for the Institute for Network Cultures to talk about my book and the left's relationship with crypto.
We spoke about how platforms are markets within markets, his book The Politics of Platformization, and the socialist history of cybernetics. While he stayed at my place he also read my book and gave some thoughts on the relations and differences between platforms and protocols in web3. We also spoke about his own reflections on his experiences being active in groups like Extinction Rebellion and their relationship with technology.
If you liked the podcast be sure to give it a review on your preferred podcast platform. If you find content like this important consider donating to my Patreon starting at just $3 per month. It takes quite a lot of my time and resources so any amount helps. Follow me on Twitter (@TBSocialist) or Mastodon (@theblockchainsocialist@social.coop) and join the r/CryptoLeftists subreddit and Discord to join the discussion.
ICYMI I've written a book about, no surprise, blockchains through a left political framework! The title is Blockchain Radicals: How Capitalism Ruined Crypto and How to Fix Itand is being published through Repeater Books, the publishing house started by Mark Fisher who’s work influenced me a lot in my thinking.
The book is officially published and you use this linktree to find where you can purchase the book based on your region / country.
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