A small number of corporations dominate the internet, wielding extensive control over our personal information. Despite their influence, there exist ethical and often European-based options that challenge these giants. Concerns around big tech include social media’s negative impacts, misinformation, data exploitation, environmental harm, and tax avoidance. Silicon Valley’s cozy relationships with controversial political figures add to the distrust. Moreover, many products from these firms have become less helpful and more exploitative over time, a phenomenon tech commentator Cory Doctorow calls “enshittification.” As consumers, we trade our privacy and data for access to free or low-cost services, ultimately fueling the financial power and monopoly status of these companies.
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