Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams How Big Tech Has Sold Us Out
Dec 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Tim Wu, a law professor and former tech policy advisor, tackles the complexities of how Big Tech manipulates society. He highlights the stark contrast between the internet's original promise and today's monopolistic reality. Wu argues for treating the internet as a utility to safeguard against exploitation and emphasizes the need for regulatory balance. He also addresses the erosion of labor rights and the dangers of unregulated AI, advocating for a fairer tech landscape that prioritizes social good over profit.
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Promise Versus Extraction
- The internet was promised as a great equalizer but became dominated by monopolies that extract wealth.
- Tim Wu argues platforms now extract money, data, time, and attention from users and sellers.
Why Utility Framing Matters
- Net neutrality treated internet access like a utility to prevent discrimination and abuse.
- Tim Wu warns abandoning that framework let broadband and platforms extract more without oversight.
Google's Broken Promise
- Tim Wu recalls being optimistic about tech and notes Google chose a normal for-profit corporate form.
- He found Google violated early pledges in its letter to future shareholders after going public.
