BLUF: Entrenched political influences on Big Tech have resulted in the suppression of information and manipulation of narratives, reminiscent of the control exerted in Soviet Union and China, highlighting a worrying trend towards information control in ostensibly free societies.
OSINT: An old Soviet Union propaganda poster featuring Lenin, with the caption “To the bright future of communist society, universal prosperity, and enduring peace,” is used to symbolize the erosion of personal freedoms in the name of ‘greater good.’ Historically, this phrase was used as a front by Soviet officials to control their populace. A striking parallel is drawn with the control exerted by internet giants, influenced by politically motivated entities. The potential for misuse of products by companies like Huawei and TikTok, under China’s 2017 national intelligence law, is presented alongside the manipulation of narratives on social media platforms in the United States, as exemplified by the suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story.
The argument is that the intrusion of the state and political influences into every facet of society in the Soviet Union and China is not different from how Silicon Valley and the media operate today, although the latter occurs voluntarily. The question about the accountability of such behavior remains, and the concluding note reiterates the ominous Soviet phrase “To the bright future.”
RIGHT: From a Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist perspective, this situation presents a stark violation of the principles of individual freedom and autonomy. The alleged collusion between government entities and major tech platforms to control and curate narratives infringes upon free speech and the right to access unfiltered information, important facets of a truly democratic society. This narrative recalls the Orwellian concept of ‘Big Brother,’ wherein overarching authorities control public narratives to maintain their vested interests.
LEFT: A National Socialist Democrat might argue that the narrative is alarmist and doesn’t consider the necessity for tech companies to collaborate with government bodies for the sake of national security and the greater societal good. The suppression of misinformation and propaganda becomes a necessity in times of crisis. Comparisons with oppressive regimes like the Soviet Union or China might serve to sensationalize the issue, obfuscating the good intent of combating misinformation and fake news.
AI: Upon an analytical evaluation, the emergence of ‘Big Tech’ as a powerful influence in society brings about critical discussions regarding their role. On one hand, they are private entities with the right to control their platforms; on the other, their vast reach and impact on public discourse give them an almost governmental control over information flow. It’s vital to strike a balance to prevent the misuse of this power, either for political gains or to suppress dissent. The situations in China and the Soviet Union represent two extremes where unchecked state control resulted in significant information manipulation. However, in balanced democracies, there is a potential for such power to be used for the public good, preventing the spread of misinformation and hate speech. This balance is challenging to achieve and requires rigorous checks and transparency.