Big Tech under scrutiny: who watches over the big tech companies?

Technology companies like Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft have infiltrated every aspect of daily life, from healthcare to education and politics.

This power conclave raises the critical question: who oversees these tech titans? Alexandra Schwinges has examined the role of journalism in holding Big Tech accountable, concluding that the media industry must reinvent its watchdog function in the digital age.

Understanding the Dynamics of Big Tech Power in Today’s Society

According to Schwinges, technology companies have managed to forge a narrative that presents them as guardians of the public interest, which reinforces their influence in the social debate through a “social license to operate.”

However, the growing public perception that the media is not meeting its oversight expectations has resulted in a decline in trust in journalism. Industry professionals acknowledge their responsibility, although they face practical challenges, such as reliance on expert sources and the complexity of the subject.

Schwinges’ analysis reveals that media coverage of Big Tech is often driven by current events and lacks sustained criticism. While the debate is limited to select circles, the general public finds itself navigating a digital environment without sufficient guidance.

“Journalists are not technology experts, but they need to become those experts to effectively fulfill their watchdog role,” comments Schwinges.

The researcher advocates for cross-border collaboration among media, academics, and lawmakers. “Only through a collective effort can we safeguard democratic values such as transparency and accountability in an era of unprecedented technological power,” she concludes. With these conclusions, the discussion about the role of journalism becomes a key element in understanding the dynamics of Big Tech’s power in today’s society.