Systemic Breakup with Big Tech: Understanding the Intersection of Digital Security and Community Organizing
Original framing: “Now you can break up with big tech at a bar: ‘cybersecurity disguised as a party’” — The Guardian - Technology
The history of digital security activism is marked by a series of struggles against corporate and government surveillance, from the early days of the internet to the present. The 'Break Up With Google' parties draw on this rich history, building on the work of pioneers like John Gilmore and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. By understanding these historical patterns and parallels, we can better appreciate the systemic nature of digital security challenges and the need for sustained community-led efforts.
The 'Break Up With Google' parties reflect a growing recognition of the need for community-led digital security initiatives, interdisciplinary approaches to digital security, cross-cultural perspectives on digital security, and scenario planning for digital security.
By engaging with these dimensions, we can develop more effective and evidence-based strategies for resisting big tech's influence and promoting digital security and online privacy. This requires a deep understanding of the systemic issues surrounding digital security, including the historical context of digital security activism, the role of indigenous knowledge in shaping online privacy practices, and the structural causes of big tech's dominance. By prioritizing community-led efforts, interdisciplinary approaches, cross-cultural perspectives, and scenario planning, we can shape our digital futures and promote a more just and equitable digital society.