The Influence of Big Tech

As digital platforms shape public discourse, influence politics, and impact economies, the role of Big Tech in modern democracies has come to be hotly debated. Silicon Valley’s dominance over information flows, data, and digital infrastructure raises pressing questions about corporate power, political accountability, and regulatory oversight. While Big Tech players set the global agenda for technological innovation, they are also being scrutinized for their role in amplifying political polarization and challenging traditional democratic institutions. Can democracies keep pace with the rapid expansion of digital power? What role should governments play in regulating online spaces while protecting free expression? And how do transatlantic differences in policy and governance play out in the digital realm?

Please join us for a virtual discussion on the evolving power of Big Tech and the broader political implications.

Discussion with

• Marietje Schaake, Former Member of the European Parliament (2009-2019) and Non-Resident Fellow, Cyber Policy Center and Institute for Human-Centered AI, Stanford University
• Steven Feldstein, Senior Fellow, Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• Prof. Dr. Christoph Bieber, Research Professor, Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS)

moderated by Jenny Joy Schumann, Freelance Journalist

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