As the world ponders what to do about the rising power of Big Tech, the pioneering experience of Salvador Allende’s Chile merits urgent examination. Not only did his Popular Unity government confront ITT, the much-feared tech giant of the day, but they also ventured to build their own digital system for managing the Chilean economy.
Called Project Cybersyn, it serves as one of the few examples of progressive governments pursuing constructive technology policy that goes beyond mere regulation of existing platforms. Yet, this initiative wasn’t without its critics—including those who accused it of reinforcing hierarchies and even aligning with a Big Brother agenda. What relevance does Cybersyn have in today’s digital world?
This event features a discussion with Evgeny Morozov, who has recently released The Santiago Boys, a nine-part podcast about Allende’s tech adventures.
Speakers
-
Evgeny Morozov
Speaker
Evgeny Morozov, a writer, is the author, producer, and host of The Santiago Boys.
-
Jordana Timerman
Speaker
Jordana Timerman is a freelance reporter in Buenos Aires and editor of the Latin America Daily Briefing.
Read more
Independent Journalism
Forever No More: From Destruction to Rebirth, the Critical Need for Supporting Syrian Journalism
As Syria rebuilds after the overthrow of its dictator Bashar al-Assad, an independent journalism outlet has been helping to build the public sphere to ensure Syrians are guaranteed the rights and freedoms they deserve.
Evidence for Accountability
Q&A: How Open Source Evidence Is Challenging Abuses, Atrocities, and Disinformation
Bellingcat has pioneered the use of open-source research to expose human rights abuses, atrocity crimes, and high-level corruption and other criminal activities involving governments, gangs, and other illicit actors.
Reporting on Africa
Changing Global News Coverage of Africa Is About Acknowledging the Continent’s Rightful Place in the World
The Global Media Index for Africa assessed and ranked how 20 of the world’s most influential news providers cover the continent. The index’s creators hope it will help ensure Africa’s full story is told globally.