Issue Distrust of big tech driving regulation and ethical alternatives

Summary

The report suggests that distrust of large technology companies could lead to tougher regulation and greater consumer resistance. As demand grows for transparent and responsible business practices, ethical start-ups may find room to emerge as alternatives. Behind this distrust lies the concentration of vast personal data in a few firms, which increases breach risks and raises concerns about transparency and accountability in data handling. The report also points out that the technology industry produced 2 to 3 per cent of global carbon emissions in 2021 and that companies pledging cuts are not reducing emissions fast enough. The risk that technology firms are slow to introduce mechanisms against disinformation and misinformation is cited as a further link to other chronic risks.