TECH4GOOD
I recently watched political scientist Ian Bremmer talk in TED on the topic “The next global superpower isn’t who you think.” He points out that the global security order will still be unipolar and mainly influenced by the US while the global economic order will continue to be multipolar with China, EU, India, Japan and the US trying their best not to allow anyone among them to lord it over. He posits though that the emerging global order will not be run by governments but by technology giants and will greatly influence the future of everything that we do.
Algorithms will be at the center of these technological revolution and Bremmer says there are no pause buttons in these explosive and disruptive technologies. He continues by asking the question “Will the tech companies persist with the advertising models that are driving citizens into products and driving hate and disinformation and ripping apart our society?” I believe the better question is “Will these tech companies eventually rule the new global order?”
Many people may not agree with Bremmer but we are now beginning to see how tech companies have the potential to play a major role in the new global order. Without us even noticing it, these companies now have access to vast amounts of data about everything and are developing new technologies that will further disrupt the way we live and work. And with these data, they also have the power to shape the flow of information and to influence public opinion. In fact, if these tech companies continue to consolidate their power, they could become even more powerful gatekeepers of information.
Technology companies have become identical with innovation. By creating groundbreaking products and services that cater to the changing needs of people, communities and businesses, they are able to build up wealth and influence that can position them to become the driving force behind the new global order.
Their global reach and accessibility achieved through the internet and mobile devices have enabled them to connect people from different corners of the world and break down geographical barriers to foster a sense of global community. Social media platforms have become virtual town plazas where people can share ideas, voice opinions, show talents, and organize movements allowing these companies to assemble massive user bases to manipulate public discourse and influence societal norms.
The economic influence of technology giants like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google today is unquestionable. Their market capitalizations alone transcend that of many countries’ GDPs, giving them unparalleled economic leverage. Their ability to generate innovations, create high-paying jobs, attract talent, and drive economic growth has made them indispensable actors in the global markets. Their economic influence has given them substantial bargaining power and enables them to shape policies and regulations that align with their interests.
Data has become an invaluable resource in the digital age and is even considered as the new oil. Tech companies have mastered its collection, analysis, and monetization.
Through their platforms and services, these companies amass vast amounts of user data, providing them with unprecedented insights into individuals' preferences, behaviors, and patterns. While this data can be used to enhance user experiences and deliver personalized services, it also raises concerns about privacy and surveillance. Technology companies' control over personal data grants them immense power to influence consumer behavior, shape public opinion, and potentially manipulate democratic processes. The concentration of this power within a few entities poses significant challenges to the principles of privacy and individual autonomy.
The new global digital order driven by technology has democratized access to information and knowledge, breaking down traditional barriers. The internet has become a powerful tool for information dissemination, empowering citizens with diverse perspectives, challenging traditional narratives, and amplifying marginalized voices. Tech companies are playing a crucial role in enabling this democratization of knowledge and fostering a more inclusive global society. It also allows them to become important and indispensable global providers that society will have to rely on.
The rise of new technologies is not just bringing in fresh opportunities but are also creating new challenges for governments, businesses, and individuals around the world. We need to develop new rules and norms for governing them. We also need to ensure that the benefits are distributed equitably. The digital divide between rich and poor countries is growing wider, and there is a risk that this will lead to social and economic inequality if we are not able to address them properly.
The new global digital order represents a paradigm shift in the way societies function, interact, and govern. This new global superpower will reshape economies, democratize knowledge and connect everything. Striking a balance between innovation and accountability is essential to harness the full potential of technology and build a future that leverages technology for the greater good. ([email protected])
(The author is the lead convenor of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics Association of the Philippines, and vice president, UP System Information Technology Foundation.)