Big Tech’s Complicity in Systemic Abuses

In a world increasingly dominated by technological giants, it’s vital to confront the unsettling reality of their complicity in systemic abuses—both ideological and economic. Big Tech companies, under the guise of fostering innovation and connectivity, have frequently acted as unaccountable entities, prioritizing profits over principles. In doing so, they have betrayed the values of transparency and fairness they often claim to uphold.

Whistleblowers, often at great personal and professional risk, have exposed the dark underbelly of these corporations. These brave individuals reveal internal corruption and the far-reaching implications of these companies’ actions on society. From suppressing freedom of expression to enabling geopolitical atrocities, Big Tech has shown itself to be less a neutral platform and more a participant in global injustices. The courage of whistleblowers inspires hope, showcasing moral integrity in a world often defined by corporate apathy.

One of the most troubling aspects is the role of Big Tech in stifling dissent and manipulating public discourse. Platforms like Facebook have been accused of silencing users who voice controversial yet crucial viewpoints, such as highlighting human rights violations or atrocities. A recent example involves Facebook’s decision to delete user accounts for sharing information about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Such actions undermine the very premise of free expression and erode trust in these platforms as spaces for open dialogue.

Equally concerning is the judiciary’s failure to adequately protect individuals who stand up to corporate abuses. Unlike in other countries, where legal frameworks offer some measure of redress, the U.S. system appears ill-equipped to confront the vast power and influence of Big Tech. Victims of these abuses, whether employees, users, or whistleblowers, often find themselves without recourse, leaving a glaring gap in accountability. This failure is not just a disservice to individuals but also a direct affront to democratic values.

The complicity of Big Tech extends beyond censorship. Their business models frequently enable and profit from systemic exploitation, whether through predatory advertising algorithms, invasive data collection, or partnerships with regimes known for human rights abuses. By engaging in such practices, these corporations contribute to a global environment where consumer and human rights are systematically undermined.

The parallels between current societal complacency and historical moments of moral crisis cannot be ignored. Many have likened the present day to the late 1930s, a time when silence and inaction allowed atrocities to unfold unchecked. Today, as systemic oppression becomes normalized, the question arises: what side of history will we stand on?

Reversing the Trend: How to Reclaim Our Rights

Reversing Big Tech’s dominance and protecting our rights will require collective action and a multi-pronged approach:

1. Promote Digital Literacy: Educating people about the implications of their online behaviour is crucial. Users must understand how their data is collected, shared, and used. Awareness campaigns can empower individuals to make informed choices about the platforms they use.
2. Demand Transparency and Accountability: Citizens must push for legislation that mandates transparency in how Big Tech operates. Companies should be required to disclose their algorithms, data collection practices, and partnerships with governments or other entities. However, a significant barrier to this effort is the outsized influence of Big Tech lobbying groups, which systematically undermine the democratic process by robbing "we the people" of our collective voting power. These lobbying efforts often dilute or block legislation aimed at ensuring corporate accountability, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that limit their influence and restore public trust in the political system.
3. Support Whistleblowers: Whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing abuses. They must be protected through robust legal frameworks and societal support to ensure they can come forward without fear of retaliation.
4. Adopt Alternative Platforms: Supporting decentralized or open-source alternatives can reduce dependence on major platforms. These alternatives often prioritize user privacy and democratic governance.
5. Strengthen Regulations: Governments must enact and enforce laws that limit the unchecked power of Big Tech. This includes stricter antitrust regulations to break up monopolistic practices and safeguard competition.
6. Reclaim Ownership of Digital Presence: Instead of relying solely on major platforms, individuals can opt for decentralized, privacy-focused technologies that prioritize user control. Open-source alternatives, like Mastodon or Signal, empower users to engage online without surrendering personal data.
7. Foster Grassroots Mobilization: When people recognize the commonality of their experiences—whether censorship, privacy violations, or monopolistic behaviour—they can rally around shared goals. Boycotts, advocacy groups, and public protests can highlight these concerns and demand systemic change.
8. Enforce Accountability Mechanisms: Governments and international bodies must enact legislation tailored to protect digital rights. This includes data protection laws modelled on the EU’s GDPR or frameworks aimed at holding platforms liable for harmful content and opaque algorithms.
9. Encourage Ethical Technology: Encouraging the development of technology that aligns with human rights and democratic values is essential. Tech companies should be held accountable for their social impact, not just their financial performance.
10. Reevaluate the Role of Technology: Society must critically examine the role technology plays in our lives. Reclaiming agency over how and why we use technology can prevent further erosion of rights.

There is, however, hope. Whistleblowers and activists remind us that change is possible when individuals choose principles over convenience. Old-school values—integrity, courage, and commitment to justice—remain as vital as ever. These voices must be amplified to challenge the stranglehold of corporations that act as “a law unto themselves.”

The fight against Big Tech’s complicity is not just a battle for fairer corporations; it’s a fight for the soul of democracy and the protection of people’s rights. As citizens, we must demand accountability, protect whistleblowers, and push for systemic reforms that place human rights above profits. Only then can we hope to build a future where technology serves humanity rather than exploits it.