The Godrej Literature Live! Mumbai LitFest 2026 Opens With A Fiery Big Tech Debate, 'Democracy In The Digital Age'

On the opening day of The Godrej Literature Live! Mumbai LitFest 2026, literature enthusiasts convened at Mumbai's NCPA for a series of thought-provoking discussions about books and reading habits. One of the day's most captivating debates centered around the motion, "Big Tech is a danger to democracy." Esteemed technology expert Jaspreet Bindra joined forces with urban development scholar and author Vandana Vasudevan to argue for the motion.

On the opposing side, development sector professional Natasha Joshi and senior lawyer and technology expert Rahul Matthan presented their case.

During the approximately 80 minutes of the debate, both sides presented their arguments with fervor and intelligence. The proponents of the motion contended that while technology may be neutral, the immense power of Big Tech is cause for alarm. They emphasized how the amassing of vast quantities of personal data could jeopardize individual privacy, thus weakening public trust and challenging the foundations of democracy. Vandana Vasudevan and Jaspreet Bindra passionately advocated for this perspective.

In contrast, the opposition highlighted the ways in which technology can bolster democratic institutions. They pointed out the unparalleled access to information, facilitated by digital platforms, alongside the opportunities for fact-checking and watchdog activism that such tools provide. Natasha Joshi and Rahul Matthan eloquently defended their stance, emphasizing the potential for technology to empower citizens and enhance democratic engagement.