Politicizing of Big Tech— exaggerated or necessary?
We have all likely read news about Meta (previously Facebook) CEO, Mark Zuckerberg testify before Congress for the company’s role in allowing fake news to prosper in the media platform during US elections. This created a question many of us started asking ourselves: how accountable should Facebook, or other tech giants, be when they hold the power to change important outcomes, such as an election? In other words, what role should Big Tech play in controlling or restricting information?
This is a question that many of us are still debating. On one hand, fake news is definitely an issue. It only misinforms and continues to polarize an already complex people divide in the US. On the other hand, filtering and controlling the information users receive, all billions of them, would give this company, or any other platform, a “preacher” role where we only read or know what is chosen to be directed to us.
What are some arguments for?
We have to discuss politicization when presented situations where these entities actively interfere or control information for their own benefit. The current events surrounding the Ukraine War have made this even more relevant. We see that information censorship in Russia is clearly happening due to Russian news outlet censorship, among others, so making sure it does not extend beyond Russia is critical. However, as an example there have been recent claims that TikTok removed content filmed in Russia and Ukraine that potentially documents war crimes. The power that TikTok holds in this example is palpable; the content it manages, and controls in this case, could drive countries to condemn Russia for its actions and potentially lead to an increase in sanctions or an escalation. It is more than reasonable then to expect that situations of this magnitude be properly discussed and questioned.
What are some arguments against?
Lastly, we cannot forget that politicizing these companies too much could also be dangerous if inappropriate and unnecessary censorship occurs. Governments are already taking active roles in monitoring Big Tech and enacting laws that restrict and regulate their power. While some may be helpful, others could be detrimental if these data-rich companies are censored and the average citizen loses access to valuable information. For this reason, if the arbitration simply changes hands from Big Tech to the government it could lead to a result as worrisome as the one discussed in the earlier paragraph.
What is it then?
This will likely continue being a hot topic in coming years as Meta, along with other tech giants, continue solidifying and extending their power. Their impact upon our lives will probably only continue to grow. For the same reason, our openness to discuss should continue to grow at least as much.
Author: Javier Bojorquez Robinson Bours
#CBSDigitalLiteracy
Sources:
Are tech companies removing evidence of war crimes? — BBC News
