Tech Won't Save Us The Threat of Data Colonialism w/ Ulises A. Mejias & Nick Couldry
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Oct 24, 2024 
Ulises A. Mejias, a Communication Studies professor, and Nick Couldry, a Media, Communications, and Social Theory professor, dive deep into the unsettling parallels between data colonialism and historical exploitation. They discuss how big tech’s data extraction practices echo the oppressive strategies of colonial powers. The conversation highlights the impact of algorithmic bias on marginalized communities and urges listeners to advocate for digital sovereignty. They also explore the importance of community agency in resisting these tech-driven frameworks.
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Technology's Role in Colonialism
- Western technology played a crucial role in historical colonialism by managing colonies remotely.
- Similarly, technologies like Facebook create a shadow world, allowing remote management through data tracking.
Data as a Tool of Control
- Data's importance lies in its ability to track and control every aspect of human life within data territories.
- This creates an asymmetry of power between those who hold the data and those who generate it.
Data Territories and Relations
- Data territories are bounded spaces like social media or ag-tech where data is extracted.
- Data relations are the controlled social interactions within these spaces, limiting choices and benefiting those in power.
