Data Grab
The new Colonialism of Big Tech and how to fight back
(Author) Ulises A. MejiasIf you're not paying for the product, then you are the product. In the past, colonialism was a landgrab of natural resources, exploitative labour and private property from countries around the world. It promised to modernise and civilise, but actually sought to control. It stole from native populations and made them sign contracts they didn't understand. It took resources just because they were there. Colonialism has not disappeared - it has taken on a new form. In the new world order, data is the new oil. Big Tech companies are grabbing our most basic natural resources - our data - exploiting our labour and connections, and repackaging our information to control our views, track our movements, record our conversations and discriminate against us. Every time we unthinkingly click 'Accept' on Terms and Conditions, we allow our most personal information to kept indefinitely, repackaged by big Tech companies to control and exploit us for their own profit. In this searing, cutting-edge guide, two leading global researchers - and founders of the concept of data colonialism - reveal how history can help us both to understand the emerging future and to fight back.
Ulises A. Mejias
Ulises A. Mejias is a Venezuelan-born writer and scholar known for his work in the field of media studies and critical theory. He is the author of several influential books, including "Off the Network: Disrupting the Digital World" and "The Limits of the Digital Revolution." Mejias' writing style is characterized by its clear and incisive analysis of the impact of digital technologies on society and culture.
Mejias has made significant contributions to the study of digital media and technology, challenging conventional wisdom and offering fresh perspectives on the ways in which these technologies shape our lives. His work has had a profound impact on the field of media studies, inspiring new ways of thinking about the digital world and its implications for society.
One of Mejias' most famous works is "Off the Network: Disrupting the Digital World," in which he explores the ways in which individuals can resist the pervasive influence of digital technologies and reclaim agency over their own lives. This book has been widely acclaimed for its insightful analysis and thought-provoking ideas, solidifying Mejias' reputation as a leading voice in the field of media studies.