Big Tech: The New Feudal Lords?
2025-05-10
This article examines the concept of 'techno-feudalism,' questioning whether large tech companies function like medieval feudal lords in the digital realm. While acknowledging the immense power and influence of tech giants, the author argues against a simplistic analogy. The open nature of digital spaces, voluntary user participation, fierce market competition, and evolving regulatory frameworks differ significantly from feudalism. Data monopolies and platform dominance exist, yet users also derive benefits, and new platforms constantly challenge incumbents. A more nuanced understanding of the digital economy is needed, moving beyond simplistic historical comparisons.