The Digital Overreach: Big Tech and Free Speech

The Digital Overreach: Big Tech and Free Speech

What has become increasingly evident today is that some of the most powerful global tech companies—Facebook, Google, Apple, and Amazon—have amassed an extraordinary level of influence, which, in my view, undermines democratic values and freedoms.

These tech giants, in alignment with socialist liberal political parties and their propaganda machines in mainstream and social media, appear to seek nothing less than control over the freedom of speech, thought, and movement of individuals worldwide.

These corporations are no longer just platforms—they are active arbiters of truth. Under the guise of "content moderation," they decide what opinions are acceptable and which voices are silenced. For example:

  • Twitter's suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story before the 2020 U.S. election, later confirmed as legitimate, illustrates how narratives can be controlled to favour one political agenda.
  • Facebook's algorithms have been documented to amplify certain political ideologies while suppressing others, creating echo chambers that manipulate public perception.
  • YouTube's demonetization policies disproportionately affect content creators who challenge progressive narratives.

These actions are not isolated—they are systemic. Governments, particularly those aligned with socialist liberal ideologies, have partnered with Big Tech to enforce these restrictions, effectively delegating censorship to private corporations while avoiding constitutional scrutiny.

Education and the Erosion of Critical Thinking

The impact of this control extends to education, where ideology now often trumps intellectual inquiry. Textbooks are being rewritten to reflect revised histories, and curricula are crafted to align with progressive agendas.

  • In the U.S., parents have voiced concerns over Critical Race Theory and DEI being introduced into classrooms under the guise of inclusivity, often without parental consent.
  • Books questioning the mainstream narrative are being banned or labelled as "misinformation," leaving students with a one-dimensional perspective on complex issues.

On university campuses, conservative groups are frequently marginalized. In far too many cases, students with dissenting views face administrative pushback or social ostracism, creating a culture where fear stifles free expression.

The Weaponization of Cancel Culture and Identity Politics

Cancel culture has become a powerful weapon in silencing individuals and organizations who dare to deviate from the approved narrative. High-profile cases, such as J.K. Rowling facing backlash for her views on gender, demonstrate how dissent is punished, even when rooted in reasonable debate.

  • Identity politics has further divided societies, turning meaningful conversations about equality into polarizing battles. Movements like "defund the police" and the glorification of criminals as victims have eroded public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.

This shift undermines societal cohesion, replacing accountability and responsibility with victimhood narratives that absolve individuals of their agency.

Religious Freedom Under Siege

Religious institutions, once the moral bedrock of many communities, are now under attack. During the COVID-19 pandemic, churches were disproportionately targeted with restrictions compared to other public venues. In some cases, pastors were arrested for holding services, even when following health guidelines. This erosion of religious freedom is not confined to one country—it is part of a broader trend to marginalize faith and replace it with state-approved ideologies. The new world order!

Tech Monopolies and Lack of Accountability

Unlike governments, which are subject to constitutions and electoral accountability, tech monopolies operate largely unchecked. Their ability to influence elections, manipulate public opinion, and enforce ideological conformity has gone virtually unchallenged.

  • Amazon, for example, has been accused of prioritizing its products over competitors in search results, demonstrating how market dominance can extend into anti-competitive practices.
  • Apple’s control over its App Store policies has stifled innovation and excluded apps that challenge the status quo.

These corporations wield economic and political power that rivals or exceeds that of some nations, yet they remain unregulated and unaccountable to the public.

The Endgame: Control Through Dependency

In my view, socialist liberal political parties aim to create a society that is increasingly reliant on the government and its allies for all aspects of life—news, education, employment, healthcare, and even personal beliefs. By fostering this dependency, they can secure absolute political dominance while suppressing dissent. This strategy is evident in policies that prioritize handouts over opportunity, censorship over dialogue, and conformity over individuality.

The Path Forward

This is not democracy. True democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, uncensored speech, and the ability to challenge authority without fear of reprisal. To preserve these values, we must:

  • Demand transparency and accountability from tech monopolies.
  • Advocate for regulations that protect free speech while preventing ideological censorship.
  • Encourage educational systems that prioritize critical thinking over indoctrination.
  • Resist efforts to marginalize religious and cultural institutions that foster community and moral grounding.

In summation, the alliance between socialist liberal progressive governments and Big Tech has created a corrosive environment that threatens individual freedoms and the democratic process. If we value liberty, transparency, and open dialogue, we must push back against this unchecked consolidation of power. The future of free societies depends on it.


dave bidini

Newspaper Publisher/Musician at West End Phoenix

1 个月

Agreed that a strong free press = a strong democracy and that we have to find ways to amplify all voices. We’re trying to do this as an independent community newspaper at West End Phoenix— re-imagining what a community newspaper can be and how it can be more: a lightning rod, a gathering place, a vessel for expression and art centred around who we are in our communities. We live in both print and digital worlds but the former is the real vanguard against disinformation and bad tech.

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David Maywald

Non-Executive Director and advocate for positive social change

1 个月

Thanks for this clear thinking, and for your conviction Peter.

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