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Big Tech
November 15, 2021

What is Big Tech?

In this chapter, we propose a conceptual framework for understanding Big Tech - we argue that Big Tech is better understood as a concept, rather than a fixed set of companies.
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What is Big Tech?
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In this CCG essay series on The Future of Democracy in the Shadow of Big and Emerging Tech chapter, we argue that Big Tech is a concept, rather than a fixed set of companies. 

As a concept, Big Tech has four core conceptual markers: 

  1. Data-centric models: The collection, analysis and monetisation of data is central to their business models.
  2. Network effects: They have achieved immense scale quickly through network effects. This insulates them from competition, contributes to their size, and often results in market dominance.
  3. Infrastructural role: They also provide essential market and informational infrastructure for a digital economy and society.
  4. Civic Power: Through their consumer-facing products and services, that enable essential services like news, commerce and societal interactions, they increasingly play civic functions in society.

Read the chapter here

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illustration by:
15
Nov
,
2021
Blog

What is Big Tech?

In this chapter, we propose a conceptual framework for understanding Big Tech - we argue that Big Tech is better understood as a concept, rather than a fixed set of companies.

In this CCG essay series on The Future of Democracy in the Shadow of Big and Emerging Tech chapter, we argue that Big Tech is a concept, rather than a fixed set of companies. 

As a concept, Big Tech has four core conceptual markers: 

  1. Data-centric models: The collection, analysis and monetisation of data is central to their business models.
  2. Network effects: They have achieved immense scale quickly through network effects. This insulates them from competition, contributes to their size, and often results in market dominance.
  3. Infrastructural role: They also provide essential market and informational infrastructure for a digital economy and society.
  4. Civic Power: Through their consumer-facing products and services, that enable essential services like news, commerce and societal interactions, they increasingly play civic functions in society.

Read the chapter here

Browse categories

Scroll right