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How Digital Platforms Are Overtaking The State And How We Can Regain Control

Vernon Blair

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Published in Cloud Empires: How Digital Platforms Are Overtaking The State And How We Can Regain Control

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In the past decade, digital platforms have become increasingly powerful. They have disrupted entire industries, from transportation to retail to media. They have also played a major role in shaping our political and social landscapes.

Cloud Empires: How Digital Platforms Are Overtaking the State and How We Can Regain Control

by Vili Lehdonvirta

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	657 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	209 pages

This new book by Shoshana Zuboff argues that digital platforms are not just a new type of business. They are a new form of power that is threatening to overtake the state.

The Rise of Digital Platforms

Digital platforms are businesses that connect users to each other. They can be used for a variety of purposes, from social networking to e-commerce to entertainment.

The most successful digital platforms have become incredibly powerful. They have billions of users and generate enormous profits. They also have a significant impact on our lives. They can shape our opinions, influence our behavior, and even determine our access to essential services.

The Threat to the State

Zuboff argues that the rise of digital platforms poses a serious threat to the state. Traditional states have a monopoly on power. They have the ability to make and enforce laws, collect taxes, and provide essential services.

Digital platforms, on the other hand, are not subject to the same constraints. They are not bound by national bFree Downloads. They can operate in multiple jurisdictions at once. And they have the ability to collect vast amounts of data on their users.

This gives digital platforms a significant advantage over states. They can use their data to manipulate users, target advertising, and even influence elections.

How We Can Regain Control

Zuboff argues that we need to take action to regain control from digital platforms. She proposes a number of ways to do this, including:

Regulating digital platforms to ensure that they are not used to harm users or undermine democracy.
Investing in public infrastructure, such as education and healthcare, to reduce our reliance on digital platforms.
Developing new forms of ownership and governance for digital platforms.

Zuboff's book is a wake-up call. It is a reminder that we need to be vigilant in defending our democracy from the threats posed by digital platforms.

If we do not take action, digital platforms will continue to erode the power of the state and undermine our freedom and autonomy.