Big Tech is coming under a lot of scrutiny with their influence in political elections in the last few years and more recently with the Department of Justice’s antitrust case against Google.
On the Small Business Radio Show this week, one of the tech industry’s brightest stars, Maëlle Gavet talks about her new book, “Trampled By Unicorns”. She has been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, one of Fortune’s 40 Under 40, one of the Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company and was fifth among Time magazine’s List of the Top 25 ‘Female Techpreneurs’.
Maëlle Gavet Interview
Maëlle discusses how many Big Tech companies have lost track of their original ideals and what they need do to do to get back on track. She says “the elections have shown how powerful these companies are. One of the biggest myths is that social media platforms are neutral…they show you content you think they will react to and usually that’s emotional things.”
She also notes the alarming conversation around privacy and tracking everything a consumer does. Maelle is also concerned about how little they pay in taxes compared to their revenue and profit. She is says that companies do not follow the guidelines posted on their own platforms. Unfortunately, investors push them for hyper growth no matter what the cost. Maelle points out that the gig economy has created a new feudalism with a few very fortunate controlling so much of the economy.
But there is no silver bullet. Maelle says consumers have to step up with what they want their favorite brand to stand for and push the valuing of their ethical behavior. She questions the role of the government but encourages everyone to vote for the leadership they believe will guide big tech appropriately.
Listen to the entire interview and Maelle’s solutions for big tech on the Small Business Radio Show.
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Image: maellegavet.com
I’m conflicted about how to handle the power these platforms now wield. I’m reluctant to put the platforms (private, 3rd party companies responsible only to their shareholders) in a position to regulate content because there is a huge potential for abuse and censorship. On the other hand, the government shouldn’t be in the business of regulating speech either. I’d prefer individual consumers take more accountability for their content and how they consume/judge/react to content, but personal accountability isn’t really popular right now.
I think she lost her potential.
Maëlle is right on! There is no neutrality anymore from these big tech companies, they are so one-sided today and they are blatant about it.
People have choices now – They can use other networks like Parler, Rumble, and Duck Duck Go. People are starting to change their social media habits and media watching habits.
2021 will be an interesting year with big tech and how people can make a difference, one person at a time.
I don’t think so. As you said Big Tech is coming under a lot of scrutiny with their influence in political elections. Yeah that’s true..!