In an article entitled “Concerns Over Big Tech and Digital Privacy Shift” in Wired Magazine, six-time award-winning author and investigative journalist on cybersecurity, Covid-19, and privacy, Violet Blue, discusses her privacy concerns as Big Tech companies cooperate with the Trump administration.
She claims that due to worries about Big Tech companies cooperating with the Trump administration, many people are relocating their digital activities to overseas services. This shift raises important questions about privacy and data control.
- Government Access to User Data: Companies like Apple, Google, and Meta have the ability to grant law enforcement access to personal information, thus putting them in control of users’ privacy rights.
- Financial Ties to Trump: Major tech firms and their leaders have financially supported Trump’s inauguration, establishing connections that may affect their policies and user data management.
- Rise of the Digital Expat: Americans distressed by this collaboration are contemplating becoming “digital expats,” seeking services outside the US for better data privacy, while Europeans view US data services as insecure.
- Changes in Company Policies: Following Trump’s inauguration, Meta implemented policies that allowed hate speech and altered its moderation practices. Google made changes to its products to align with his administration.
- Legal Framework for Data Requests: US laws allow law enforcement to compel companies for user data, raising concerns over how much control companies have over their data subjects.
- Encryption and User Data: Recent tensions have arisen around encrypted communications, with the Trump administration pushing for backdoor access.
- Global Concerns: Many countries rely on US tech platforms for essential services, prompting fears over data integrity and democracy in the US.
As worries about privacy and data control increase, many are exploring alternatives to US-based services. A variety of non-US options are gaining popularity as individuals seek to minimize risk and ensure better data privacy, with many joining communities focused on shifting away from US digital services.
Written by DDN
