The Problem with the “Big” in Big Tech

Audio of this conversation is available via your favorite podcast service. Today’s episode features two segments, both of which consider the scale of technology platforms and their power over markets and people. In the first, Rebecca Rand delivers a conversation with University of Technology Sydney researcher Dr. Luis Lozano-Paredes about a community of drivers in Colombia who have hacked together a way to preserve their power alongside the adoption of ride sharing apps. And in the second, Justin Hendrix speaks with Columbia University Law School Professor of Law, Science and Technology Tim Wu, who recently spent two years on the National Economic Council in the White House as Special Assistant to the President for Competition and Technology. The discussion touches on privacy legislation, ideas about competition and scale, and Wu’s observations on the landmark antitrust trial between the Justice Department and Google, which wrapped up its first week of testimony on Friday. The conversation took place at the All Tech is Human Responsible Tech Summit, hosted with the Consulate General of Canada in New York, on September 14th. A full transcript is forthcoming; what follows is a lightly edited transcript of the discussion with Professor Wu. Justin Hendrix: Good afternoon. How is everyone doing? We’re having a good time. All Tech is Human group puts on a great set of events. They’ve been very busy this week. David and the Canadian Consulate, very grateful to you again for allowing me to be part of this. Tim Wu, I’m very privileged,…The Problem with the “Big” in Big Tech