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The Big Tech Playbook: Power, Politics, and Digital Sovereignty

Source: The big tech playbook – Work and digitalisation (2025-11-18)

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital technology, the influence of big tech companies extends far beyond innovation, shaping global politics and economic policies. According to recent insights from IPS Journal, these corporations strategically frame digital sovereignty around regulation and political autonomy, effectively diverting attention from their systemic power and market dominance. This approach allows them to position themselves as defenders of national interests while maintaining control over critical digital infrastructure. Recent developments highlight how the second term of Donald Trump intensified the merging of tech and state power in the United States. Silicon Valley firms have actively aligned with political agendas, securing export licenses, avoiding antitrust investigations, and obtaining lucrative government contracts—especially for data centers and underwater infrastructure projects. This close relationship between tech giants and policymakers underscores a broader trend of systemic influence that challenges traditional notions of sovereignty and regulation. Beyond the U.S., the debate on digital sovereignty is gaining momentum in Europe, where policymakers seek to balance technological innovation with safeguarding national interests. European companies face significant hurdles in competing with well-funded American firms that leverage political influence to dominate markets. The European Union has introduced measures like the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act to curb monopolistic practices, but enforcement remains complex amid the entrenched power of global tech giants. Recent facts that deepen understanding of this landscape include: 1. The global data center market is projected to reach $150 billion by 2026, with major investments from big tech firms in underwater and edge data centers to enhance connectivity and data sovereignty. 2. The European Commission has proposed new regulations requiring large tech companies to share data with local competitors, aiming to foster fair competition and reduce dependency on U.S.-based cloud providers. 3. The U.S. government has increased scrutiny of tech companies' foreign investments, especially in critical infrastructure, citing national security concerns amid rising geopolitical tensions. 4. Several European countries are developing national AI strategies to ensure technological sovereignty, with investments exceeding €10 billion in the next five years. 5. The rise of decentralized digital platforms and blockchain technology is challenging traditional power structures, offering alternative models for digital sovereignty and data ownership. As digital sovereignty becomes a central theme in global policy discussions, the influence of big tech companies continues to grow, raising questions about accountability, fairness, and the future of democratic governance in the digital age. Policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society must collaborate to develop frameworks that ensure technological innovation benefits all while safeguarding sovereignty and democratic values.

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