Containing Big Tech: How to Protect Our Civil Rights, Economy, and Democracy

Big Tech companies have created innovative products that improve our lives, but their intrusiveness and dependence have created threats to our civil rights, economy, and democracy. This book exposes the consequences of their digital surveillance, exploitative use of AI, and monopolistic and anticompetitive practices and offers actionable solutions to these problems. By containing the excesses of Big Tech, we can ensure our civil rights are respected, our economy is competitive, and our democracy is protected.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2023
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group LLC

Technology is a double-edged sword, presenting both blessings and challenges. The five dominant Big Tech companies, namely Meta, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, have revolutionized our lives with their innovative products. However, their pervasive nature and our reliance on them have raised significant concerns about our civil rights, economic well-being, and democratic integrity.

Having extensively ventured into the realm of Silicon Valley-based tech startups, Tom Kemp skillfully unites the threats posed by Big Tech. He highlights the following concerning aspects:

• The excessive collection and weaponization of our most sensitive data, which poses a grave risk to our privacy and personal security.
• The problematic use of AI by Big Tech to process and interpret our data, raising concerns about bias, discrimination, and the potential for unintended consequences.
• The stifling of competition and entrepreneurship due to Big Tech's dominant market position, which hinders the growth of new businesses and stifles innovation.

This comprehensive book delves into the profound consequences of Big Tech's digital surveillance, exploitative AI practices, and monopolistic tendencies. It provides actionable solutions to address these issues and offers a clear roadmap for individuals and policymakers to advocate for change. By reigning in the excesses of Big Tech, we can safeguard our civil rights, promote a competitive economy, and preserve the integrity of our democratic system.

It is imperative that we take proactive measures to regulate and oversee these companies, ensuring that they operate in the public interest and respect the rights and freedoms of individuals. This requires a collaborative effort from governments, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations to establish fair and transparent policies that promote competition, innovation, and privacy protection.

Furthermore, we must empower individuals to take control of their digital lives and protect their data. This includes promoting digital literacy, educating users about their rights and responsibilities, and developing tools and technologies that enable individuals to safeguard their information and privacy.

In conclusion, the path forward to rein in online surveillance, AI, and tech monopolies requires a multifaceted approach. By addressing the threats posed by Big Tech, we can create a more equitable and sustainable digital landscape that benefits all stakeholders. Let us seize this opportunity to shape a future where technology serves as a force for positive change, rather than a tool for exploitation and control.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781639080618