Liviu Poenaru, Dec. 12, 2024.

 

Marietje Schaake’s The Tech Coup offers a timely and critical exploration of the immense power wielded by technology companies and its detrimental impact on democracy. Drawing from her experience as a Member of the European Parliament, Schaake skillfully dissects the intersection of technology, governance, and society. She underscores the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks to counter the unchecked influence of tech monopolies, reclaim democratic sovereignty, and protect fundamental rights.

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The book opens with a gripping narrative of Ali, an Iranian dissident who fell victim to surveillance technologies during the Green Movement. This poignant story sets the tone for the central argument: technology, while heralded as a force for liberation and empowerment, can be weaponized to serve authoritarian interests. Schaake highlights the complicity of Western corporations in exporting surveillance tools to oppressive regimes, revealing the global repercussions of prioritizing profit over ethical considerations. This dual role of technology—as both an enabler of freedom and a tool of repression—runs through the book’s analysis.

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Schaake systematically critiques how democratic governments have failed to address the growing influence of private tech companies. She argues that by abdicating their regulatory responsibilities, states have allowed these corporations to assume roles traditionally reserved for public institutions. The consequences of this negligence are far-reaching: surveillance practices erode civil liberties, unregulated platforms amplify misinformation, and profit-driven decision-making undermines public accountability. Through examples such as the misuse of Pegasus spyware and the exploitation of social media for political gain, Schaake vividly illustrates the stakes of unregulated technological power.

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One such example is the Cambridge Analytica scandal, exposed by whistleblower Christopher Wylie, where data harvested from millions of Facebook users was weaponized to manipulate voter behavior during the Brexit referendum and the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. This case underscores how data misuse can distort democratic processes on a global scale. Closer to home, the recent elections in Romania provide another alarming example. Reports revealed that certain political parties leveraged bots and disinformation campaigns on social media platforms to polarize voters and suppress turnout in targeted demographics. These tactics, often facilitated by inadequate platform oversight, highlight the fragility of electoral integrity in the digital age. Schaake’s analysis resonates deeply in these contexts, as she calls for urgent reforms to safeguard democracy from such technologically mediated threats.

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A key strength of the book lies in its global perspective. Schaake contrasts the fragmented, laissez-faire regulatory approach in democratic societies with China’s centralized, state-driven model. She argues that while China’s governance of technology may seem effective in achieving state goals, its export of surveillance practices poses a significant threat to global democratic norms. This geopolitical dimension enriches the book’s analysis, situating technology regulation within the broader context of international relations and power dynamics.

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Schaake also shines a light on the ethical lapses of tech companies that prioritize profit over societal well-being. Her critique of firms like NSO Group, which sell surveillance tools to authoritarian regimes, exposes a systemic failure in corporate accountability. The lack of transparency in how these companies operate and the absence of regulatory guardrails amplify the risks posed to individual freedoms and democratic governance. The Pegasus spyware scandal, for instance, revealed how these tools have been used to target journalists, activists, and opposition leaders, creating a chilling effect on free expression and dissent worldwide.

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While Schaake provides a compelling call to action, it is clear that we are still far from the stronger governance frameworks she advocates for. The absence of such frameworks is not merely a technical or regulatory failure but a profound threat to the stability of democracies and the future of global civilization. The slow pace of reform and the escalating risks to democratic institutions only underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges.

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The inability of traditional regulatory bodies to keep pace with the rapid evolution of digital technology is a central issue. Democracies, by design, operate through deliberative processes that prioritize inclusivity and transparency. While these virtues are essential, they often render democratic institutions sluggish in responding to the quick-moving and highly adaptive strategies of tech corporations. This imbalance has allowed powerful technology companies to consolidate control over critical aspects of public life—from the dissemination of information to the manipulation of electoral processes—often without adequate oversight or accountability.

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The lack of effective governance has enabled misinformation to proliferate unchecked, undermining public trust in democratic institutions and sowing deep divisions within societies. High-profile scandals, such as Cambridge Analytica, demonstrate how data misuse and algorithmic manipulation can distort democratic processes. Similarly, the disinformation campaigns and bot-driven polarization tactics seen in Romanian elections exposed the fragility of electoral integrity in the digital age.

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As regulatory efforts falter, democracies are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Authoritarian regimes and malicious actors exploit these weaknesses, using digital tools to destabilize governance from within. The global export of surveillance technologies, ostensibly developed for security, has become instruments of repression. Meanwhile, within democratic societies, the unchecked influence of digital platforms erodes the foundations of civic life. Algorithms designed to maximize engagement amplify polarizing and extreme content, fracturing public discourse and creating echo chambers.

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The destabilizing effects of unchecked technological power—misinformation campaigns, public opinion manipulation, and the export of authoritarian surveillance practices—threaten global stability. As democratic institutions weaken, authoritarian models gain traction, shifting global norms toward control and efficiency at the expense of freedom and human rights.

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The path forward requires urgent, coordinated action. Democracies must collaborate to establish international standards for technology governance. Civic engagement is equally crucial—citizens must be empowered to understand and challenge the influence of technology on their lives. Ethical innovation, where technology developers are held to standards that prioritize human rights and sustainability over profit, is another vital component.

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This moment represents a critical juncture. While the threats Schaake highlights are severe, her analysis offers hope. Democracies must leverage their strengths—pluralism, innovation, and resilience—to craft a future where technology serves humanity. Without immediate action, however, the stability of the world and its future remain at risk.

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The Tech Coup is both a sobering analysis and a hopeful blueprint for action. Schaake’s work is a powerful reminder that technology reflects the values and priorities of those who design and regulate it. By advocating for stronger governance frameworks and increased accountability, Schaake provides an excellent roadmap for aligning technology with democratic principles rather than undermining them. This book is essential reading for policymakers, academics, and anyone invested in the future of democracy in the digital age.

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