. It suggests a
with the influence and control exerted by technology and tech companies, potentially leading to a system where
.
Techno-populism is either a populism in favor of
technocracy or a populism concerning certain technology – usually
information technology – or any populist ideology conversed using digital media. It can be employed by single politicians or whole
political movements respectively. Neighboring terms used in a similar way are technocratic populism, technological populism, and cyber-populism. Italy's
Five Star Movement and France's
La République En Marche! have been described as technopopulist political movements.
Broligarchy is a
neologism and
portmanteau combining
oligarchy and
broism describing the rule of government by a coterie of
extremely wealthy men (occupying leadership roles in the
tech companies and tech-enabled businesses) who are perceived by the public as
tech bros. It is also known as
tech oligarchy. ?
tech oligarchy ?
Key Components of techno-fascism / techno-populism / broligarchy / tech oligarchy :
Technocratic Rule:
Techno-fascism is characterized by an
emphasis on technical expertise and data-driven decision-making, often at the expense of democratic processes and public participation.
State and Corporate Tech Power:
The term highlights the
increasing convergence of government power and the
power of technology companies, potentially leading to situations where tech companies wield significant influence over government policy and public discourse.
Suppression of Dissent:
Techno-fascism can involve the
use of technology to monitor and control citizens,
restrict access to information, and
limit freedom of expression.
Concentration of Power:
This form of authoritarianism often involves the concentration of power in the hands of a select few, potentially leading to a situation where the needs and interests of the majority are overlooked.
Examples and Concerns:
Rise of Big Tech:
The growing influence of tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, along with their ability to collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data, has raised concerns about potential manipulation and control.
AI Development:
Unfettered AI development, particularly if it's used for surveillance or propaganda purposes, could pave the way for techno-fascism on a global scale.
Social Media Manipulation:
The ability of social media platforms to spread misinformation and polarize public discourse raises concerns about their potential to be used to manipulate public opinion and undermine democratic processes.
In essence, techno-fascism raises the specter of a future where technology is used to create a highly controlled and authoritarian society, one where the voices of the people are silenced and the power of the state is wielded by a select group of technocrats and tech giants.
