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> If we take the influence in the field of politics and human and privacy rights truly seriously, a ban on American tech in Europe is crucial, according to this

by bambax 1y ago

> If we take the influence in the field of politics and human and privacy rights truly seriously, a ban on American tech in Europe is crucial, according to this scholar. In addition, we must work to create a European Big Tech industry. This is inconsistent. If Europe must ban American Big Tech because of human and privacy rights (something I tend to agree with) then it should not create anything in its stead, and actively prevent a European Silicon Valley from ever happening. It's extremely unlikely European business people are better than Americans. Once they become powerful enough, chances are they will be even more evil.

brookst 1y ago
It’s the classic “we must regulate pi=3” problem. They want the benefits of the tech without the capitalistic intent or unwanted side effects. The European regulatory regime is specifically designed to prioritize social welfare (as defined by regulators) over technological advance. Just look at Spotify: technically stagnant, but a lobbying and regulatory powerhouse.
_zagj 1y ago
> If Europe must ban American Big Tech because of human and privacy rights Isn't the EU currently trying to force encryption back-doors?
alibarber 1y ago
Indeed - it reminds me of a story I heard about potential Lithium deposits being found in Sweden. Initially this would be a good thing because it would help Europeans build and drive more electric cars which are a good thing because they are less polluting and rely less on oil from unstable places. Of course, it was swiftly pointed out that it would be impossible to mine it and meet the stringent environmental standards that we have in Europe, because we're good and care for the world. Fine to trash the environment in China though. Similarly, hands have been wrung in Finland because they banned importing Russian timber for obvious reasons, but this meant potentialy cutting down more Finnish wood and failing to meet environmental obligations. Aparently if you cut down trees a bit to the East it's ok for the environment.

by bambax 1y ago

brookst 1y ago

It’s the classic “we must regulate pi=3” problem. They want the benefits of the tech without the capitalistic intent or unwanted side effects. The European regulatory regime is specifically designed to prioritize social welfare (as defined by regulators) over technological advance. Just look at Spotify: technically stagnant, but a lobbying and regulatory powerhouse.

_zagj 1y ago

> If Europe must ban American Big Tech because of human and privacy rights Isn't the EU currently trying to force encryption back-doors?

alibarber 1y ago

Indeed - it reminds me of a story I heard about potential Lithium deposits being found in Sweden. Initially this would be a good thing because it would help Europeans build and drive more electric cars which are a good thing because they are less polluting and rely less on oil from unstable places. Of course, it was swiftly pointed out that it would be impossible to mine it and meet the stringent environmental standards that we have in Europe, because we're good and care for the world. Fine to trash the environment in China though. Similarly, hands have been wrung in Finland because they banned importing Russian timber for obvious reasons, but this meant potentialy cutting down more Finnish wood and failing to meet environmental obligations. Aparently if you cut down trees a bit to the East it's ok for the environment.