The chapter argues that Big Tech whistleblowing calls for new reflection in whistleblowing research. The discussion focuses on Frances Haugen’s recent disclosure of Facebook’s algorithms. Two insights emerge from the analysis: First, we are strongly dependent on Big Tech whistleblowers because the wrongdoings they expose are shrouded in opacity and secrecy to an extent where it is difficult for outsiders to make the same of impact. Second, the democratic stakes are high. Since Big Tech companies do not just offer products in a narrow sense but also order our communicative infrastructures, they need to be approached with suspicion. This idea is amplified by the fact that their activities are almost purely based on a profit logic, which tends to subsume democratic concerns.

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Digital Opacity

  • Thomas Olesen

摘要

The chapter argues that Big Tech whistleblowing calls for new reflection in whistleblowing research. The discussion focuses on Frances Haugen’s recent disclosure of Facebook’s algorithms. Two insights emerge from the analysis: First, we are strongly dependent on Big Tech whistleblowers because the wrongdoings they expose are shrouded in opacity and secrecy to an extent where it is difficult for outsiders to make the same of impact. Second, the democratic stakes are high. Since Big Tech companies do not just offer products in a narrow sense but also order our communicative infrastructures, they need to be approached with suspicion. This idea is amplified by the fact that their activities are almost purely based on a profit logic, which tends to subsume democratic concerns.