Billionaire Elon Musk is reportedly considering buying TikTok, a move that could further concentrate the influence of tech giants in social media. The potential acquisition raises concerns about the manipulation of public information and the concentration of power among a dwindling number of powerful tech leaders.
According to experts, such consolidation would give Musk arbitrary power to control what content is promoted on his platforms, allowing him to manipulate public discourse and amplify far-right ideologies. This could lead to further erosion of fact-based discussions and the spread of misinformation.
The problem of social media ownership falling into the hands of a few powerful tech leaders dates back to 2012 when Facebook acquired Instagram and WhatsApp. Since then, the market has seen extreme concentration in social media, with most platforms owned by a small group of billionaires.
If Musk were to acquire TikTok, he would likely integrate it with his existing platform X, allowing for cross-promotion and further manipulation of public information. Experts warn that this could lead to a loss of content moderation and safety measures on both platforms.
The lack of accountability from US authorities is also a concern, with the FTC struggling to enforce antitrust regulations against social media giants like Meta and Musk. The incoming Trump administration’s reluctance to regulate corporate profits has made it difficult for regulators to hold tech companies accountable.
However, some users are bucking the trend by migrating to new platforms like Bluesky, Mastodon, and Signal, which prioritize openness, decentralization, and user control over data. These alternatives offer features that allow users to choose their own algorithms and maintain full control over their data.
For social media platforms to remain healthy and effective, experts argue that interoperability measures need to be implemented, allowing users to connect with friends across different platforms. This would promote competition and innovation in the industry, ultimately benefiting consumers.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/01/19/how-to-see-januarys-spectacular-planet-parade-from-europe