What are the societal problems posed by Big Tech and what can we do about them?
Welcome to Tech Tock by me, Beth Kirkbride. I’m an NCTJ-accredited freelance journalist with a keen interest in technology, digital culture and politics.
Why did I start this newsletter?
The threats posed by Big Tech affect us all. Yet while reading about this subject I’ve been struck by the level of prior knowledge lots of really thought-provoking non-fiction books and articles assume their readers to have. You’re expected to know the CEOs of major technology companies, their relationship to one another and their allegiance to different economic and philosophical schools of thought. Never mind an understanding of technical language.
For any real change to take place, the average voter needs to understand the mounting threats to their privacy and the democratic process. But beyond simply being aware of the problem or modifying their own tech use, they need to know how to put pressure on law and policy makers.
What can you expect?
This newsletter aims to explain:
i) who the major players are
ii) what they believe (with as little economic, philosophical or technical jargon as possible)
iii) how their beliefs have changed over time (measured by their intentions vs actions)
iv) how these players relate to one another
v) how these corporations undermine the democratic process
vi) what we (i.e. the voters) can do about it
You will also be pointed towards the sources that have informed my argument, should you wish to pursue further reading.
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