An opinion piece from Spain’s El Pais newspaper questions whether the world needs publicly-owned social networks to break free from Silicon Valley’s dominance. The piece argues that current social media platforms have established themselves as quasi-monopolies, with a business model that relies on violating user privacy to collect data for ad sales. The article explores the idea of public social media platforms, such as a Twitter for the European Union or a Facebook run by media outlets like the BBC, as potential alternatives. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other political leaders have called for the development of such platforms, which could offer transparency and avoid the pitfalls of algorithm-driven content and data exploitation. The suggestion is part of a broader push for digital independence, with experts emphasizing the importance of ensuring that technology does not serve the interests of a few billionaires at the expense of the public good.
James Muldoon, a professor at Essex Business School and author of Platform Socialism: How to Reclaim our Digital Future from Big Tech (2022), highlights the potential of public platforms to facilitate open and meaningful public conversations. Unlike private platforms, which are driven by profit and engagement metrics, public social networks could prioritize transparency, user control over data, and the promotion of democratic dialogue. This approach could contribute to digital pluralism, reducing reliance on a small number of corporate entities that are often influenced by both economic and political interests. The article notes that technology is not neutral, and private platforms are inherently biased toward commercial and political agendas, making public alternatives an essential safeguard for digital rights and freedom of expression.
Other proposals include state investment or collaboration with decentralized social media networks based on open-source technology. Cory Doctorow, a prominent advocate for digital rights, suggests that governments should work with existing platforms like Bluesky and Mastodon to support open-source solutions. These platforms, which prioritize user autonomy and data privacy, could provide a more resilient alternative to centralized, corporate-controlled social networks. The article also acknowledges the role of legislative measures, such as antitrust laws and stricter regulations, as ways to challenge the dominance of Silicon Valley. However, it notes the challenges posed by the strong lobbying influence of tech giants, even in regions like the European Union, where the U.S. tech sector actively campaigns for favorable policies.
The call for publicly-owned social networks is part of a global movement advocating for digital sovereignty and the reclamation of online spaces from corporate control. By investing in alternative platforms, governments could foster a more equitable and democratic digital environment, ensuring that the internet serves the public interest rather than private profit. As the debate over the role of technology in society continues, the need for transparent, user-centric platforms becomes increasingly urgent, especially in an era where digital influence shapes political, economic, and social dynamics.