Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Algorithms and Worker Power: The Rise and Fightback Against Reverse Centaurs

2025-05-30

This article explores the convergence of 'chickenization' (exploitative work arrangements) and 'reverse centaurs' (AI-driven, human-subordinate collaborations) in modern labor. Using gig workers and delivery drivers as examples, it reveals how algorithms manipulate workers, hide true earnings, and exert control through surveillance. In response, worker organizations are developing counter-algorithmic apps (like Para) to expose algorithmic opacity and organize collective action (like the #DECLINENOW movement). Initiatives also reverse-engineer algorithms, promoting worker transparency and autonomy, such as creating 'tuyul' apps for improved delivery driver autonomy. Ultimately, the author calls for labor solidarity, leveraging technology to combat algorithmic control and rebuild worker power.

(pluralistic.net)

Tech algorithmic control tech empowerment

Zuckerberg's Testimony: Smoking Gun in Meta Antitrust Case

2025-04-26

The FTC's antitrust trial against Meta is underway, and Mark Zuckerberg's testimony has emerged as a pivotal moment. Prosecutors used Zuckerberg's own internal emails as damning evidence, revealing his admission that the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were intended to eliminate competition. Emails show Zuckerberg was aware of potential antitrust violations yet proceeded with the acquisitions, subsequently implementing strategies to restrict Instagram's growth and increase ad load. While Meta argues it's not a monopoly, Zuckerberg's testimony strongly supports the prosecution's case of anti-competitive behavior, significantly strengthening their position.

(pluralistic.net)

Tech

Facebook: Power, Lies, and Apathy

2025-04-24

Sarah Wynn-Williams's tell-all memoir, *Careless People*, exposes the shocking inner workings of Facebook. The book details the arrogance, incompetence, and unethical behavior of executives like Zuckerberg, Sandberg, and Kaplan, and how Facebook used its power to manipulate politics, suppress dissent, and even played a role in the Myanmar genocide. Wynn-Williams's firsthand account chronicles Facebook's evolution from rapid growth to unchecked power, culminating in a disregard for ethics and consequences. The author argues this wasn't solely due to individual flaws but also a failure of the policy environment.

(pluralistic.net)

Tech

Transparency Isn't Enough: The Failure of Prop 65 and Privacy Policies

2025-04-19

Cory Doctorow critiques the ineffectiveness of California's Prop 65 and lengthy privacy policies, arguing that mere "transparency" is insufficient to protect consumer rights. He contends that instead of relying on consumers to assess the risk of carcinogens in products, stronger regulations should compel companies to minimize risks. Similarly, lengthy privacy policies are useless; real protection requires stricter privacy laws, not user comprehension of incomprehensible terms. Using his blog's humorous privacy policy as an example, he satirizes the absurdity of the current system and calls for stronger regulatory measures, such as adopting Stanford's Mark Lemley's proposed "default rules", to safeguard consumers.

(pluralistic.net)

Misc privacy policies

Enshittification: It's Not Venture Capital's Fault, It's the Lack of Constraints

2025-01-26

Cory Doctorow's article delves into the reasons behind the degradation of social media platforms, arguing it's not simply due to venture capitalists' pursuit of profit maximization. The article posits that 'enshittification' stems from user lock-in (high switching costs and collective action problems), and a lack of market competition, government regulation, and labor constraints. The solution, Doctorow suggests, lies in breaking user lock-in, increasing regulation and competition, rather than simply rejecting capitalism. The article also analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of emerging platforms Mastodon and Bluesky, advocating for technical solutions (like the Free Our Feeds project) to enhance Bluesky's resilience and lower switching costs for users.

(pluralistic.net)

Tech platform degradation

App-Enabled Price Fixing: How Big Tech Masks Monopoly Power

2025-01-26

Big Tech uses apps to mask price-fixing schemes, exacerbating inflation. The article exposes how food industry giants manipulate prices through data brokers and tacit collusion, citing examples in eggs, frozen potatoes, and meat. These companies leverage information asymmetry and technology to squeeze out smaller businesses and reap exorbitant profits. This isn't limited to food; similar issues plague real estate and fire equipment sectors, prompting discussions on antitrust laws and regulatory action.

(pluralistic.net)

Tech inflation price fixing

Nurses' Nightmares: Algorithmic Exploitation in the Gig Economy

2024-12-19

Cory Doctorow's article exposes how 'Uber for nurses' apps in the US healthcare system exploit nurses through algorithmic discrimination and risk-shifting. These apps use complex fee structures and competitive bidding to lower wages, forcing nurses to cover insurance, equipment, and other costs, resulting in significantly reduced income and precarious working conditions. The article highlights this as a failure of capitalism and calls for stronger labor laws and unionization to protect nurses' rights.

(pluralistic.net)

Tech algorithmic discrimination gig economy nurse exploitation