I took on big tech. We need to get it right this time
Something is shifting. In July, New York became the first state in the country to impose a moratorium on hyperscale data centers—the power-devouring facilities that fuel artificial intelligence —so that the state could actually study what they do to communities before letting them consume more of the grid. In March, juries in New Mexico and California found Meta liable for knowingly designing…
A fresh wave of accountability is sweeping across the nation as authorities, communities, and activists challenge the dominance of big tech. New York became the first state to put a temporary hold on hyperscale data centers to evaluate their impact on local communities, while juries in New Mexico and California ruled in favor of Meta, awarding millions of dollars in damages for knowingly creating addictive and exploitative products for children.
In Tennessee, residents are actively organizing to prevent new data centers from being built, turning the issue into a political force that unites neighbors and organizers.
This new wave of resistance against big tech follows a decade-long struggle where the companies seemed to be gaining momentum. The author, who spent time in Mark Zuckerberg's office, experienced firsthand the manipulative tactics employed by these tech giants. Despite civil rights victories, boycotts, and significant financial losses, Facebook continued to amplify hate speech and disinformation, even supporting the Trump administration.
The author emphasizes that Big Tech corporations not only resist accountability but have developed a systematic approach to do so. They engage in insincere apologies, spread misleading information, hire PR firms to undermine opponents, and even offer financial concessions when the pressure becomes too intense. The author warns that these tactics will continue to be employed, and people involved in the current fight should be prepared for similar strategies.
However, the author also stresses the importance of learning from past experiences. Meaningful regulation of big tech must become a political litmus test for voters, not just a policy debate among experts. The data center fights are creating localized, tangible engagement that has been lacking in the abstract discussions about tech regulation.
The author urges people to connect big tech's power to the conditions of their own lives, and to reward politicians who take action against these companies. Only by turning meaningful regulation into a political expectation from voters will there be a realistic path towards accountability.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
