How Big Tech Took Control of Reality

The internet promised freedom. But has it delivered?

When the World Wide Web launched, it promised a borderless world of knowledge, connection and freedom.

More than three decades later, a handful of tech giants control vast parts of our digital lives—shaping what we see, what we remember, and even how we think—while the internet has become an engine of censorship and surveillance.

This week on The Tea, we're joined by the woman rewriting the history of the internet. Mindy Seu is a technologist, UCLA associate professor, and the author of “A Sexual History of the Internet”. She’s been tracking what the tech giants are scrubbing. Together, we ask the questions Big Tech would rather you didn't: Who decides what survives online? And is it still possible to reclaim the internet?
Also in the show:
⚡ The hidden history of the internet—from women, artists and activists erased from the story
⚡ Open source, local networks & the fight to reclaim the web
⚡ Sex, censorship & who gets erased online
⚡ The Epstein files & the myth of the "forever internet"
⚡ ChatGPT, AI & the danger of “yes men”
⚡ Peter Thiel’s “Praxis” and Big Tech’s attempt to replace democracy

As Mindy argues, reclaiming the internet doesn't start with Silicon Valley. It starts with local communities building alternatives from the ground up.

#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #MindySeu #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #BigTech #Internet #DigitalRights #Cyberfeminism #Surveillance #AI #Tech #Podcast

AUDIO CREDITS
Presenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam François
Guest: Mindy Seu
Senior Producer: Sara Farolfi
Producer: Nadège Bizimungu
Assistant Producer: Poppy Jacobs
Research: Constance Creswell
Video Editor: Max Bubnov
An MPWR Productions show.


00:00:00 Introduction – Who Really Owns the Internet?
00:02:48 The Hidden History of the Open Web
00:06:53 The Military Origins of the Internet
00:12:05 Can We Escape Big Tech? The Case for Decentralized Networks
00:19:40 How Big Tech Learned to Control Information
00:29:19 Algorithms, Politics and the Power to Shape Reality
00:35:08 The Myth That the Internet Never Forgets
00:41:39 How AI Is Replacing the Open Internet
00:47:53 Can Online Activism Still Change the World?
00:51:20 Silicon Valley's Vision for a Post-Democracy Future
00:55:15 AI Companions, Loneliness and the Future of Human Connection
00:58:53 How We Fight Back Against the New Internet

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.

This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.

The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.