Trend Big tech firms as a geopolitical power factor

Summary

The report judges that big tech companies have built up a unique technological, economic and social position of power and can be regarded as a significant geopolitical force. Through their control of digital infrastructure, platforms, data and services they wield influence that traditionally belonged to governments. That influence reaches beyond consumer behaviour into public domains such as education, healthcare, media, democratic processes and geopolitical decisions. The report sees the rise of generative AI as giving these firms momentum to shape regulation, push their own agendas and anchor themselves in the policy arena. On the security side, it points out that growing dependence on foreign tech companies has increased cyber risks.