The Trump Era: A Catalyst for Tech's Redemption?
The tech world is at a crossroads, and it's time to reclaim our digital freedom. For too long, we've been trapped in a web of restrictive practices, but the Trump presidency might just be the wake-up call we need. It's time to end the 'enshittification' of technology and make it good again.
As a veteran of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, I've witnessed the global struggle for digital rights. In my travels, a recurring theme emerged: countries wanted to regulate tech to protect their citizens, but the US trade representative's threats of tariffs kept them in check. It's like being told to follow orders or face dire consequences, only to have your house burned down regardless.
The current state of tech is bizarre. Our devices are capable of running any program, yet we're forced into fixed-price deals. Want to chat on Meta? Zuckerberg listens in. Need a functional phone? Tim Cook takes a cut and controls your software. Want to search the web? Sundar Pichai knows your underwear color. It's as if we're dining at a restaurant with a fixed menu, unable to order à la carte.
The problem lies in laws imposed by the US, prohibiting programmers from legally altering devices against manufacturers' wishes. This 'enshittification' of tech stifles innovation and user control. But Trump's tariffs have disrupted the status quo, offering a chance to break free.
The anti-circumvention law, a barrier to reverse-engineering and product improvement, is now a target for change. Digital rights activists have a new ally: investors and tech experts eager to profit from disrupting US tech giants. In the UK, post-Brexit, the opportunity is ripe to remove article 6 of the European software directive, freeing British companies from US surveillance and exorbitant fees.
This isn't just about ethics; it's a lucrative business opportunity. US tech platforms rake in billions, as Jeff Bezos famously said, 'Your margin is my opportunity.' Why not seize this chance to break their monopoly and create a fairer digital landscape?
The potential is immense, with billions to be made and a chance to avoid the pitfalls of AI's costly data centers and power demands. Exiled technologists and investors are eager to capitalize on this opening. But it's not just about money; it's about trust and security.
Trump's actions have shown that US tech can be weaponized. The world is questioning the reliability of American tech infrastructure for governments, businesses, and personal data. The International Criminal Court's experience with Microsoft after sanctioning Benjamin Netanyahu is a stark example. When Trump denounced the court, its justices lost access to Microsoft accounts, effectively 'bricking' their operations.
Until we repeal the anti-circumvention law, we're vulnerable. We can't reverse-engineer US cloud software or hardware to ensure our digital sovereignty. This extends to any technology linked to servers controlled by governments with conflicting interests. It's a complex issue, but one we must address.
As we enter 2026, the digital rights movement has powerful allies in investors and national security advocates. The door to a better tech future is ajar, and it's time to push it wide open. Let's reclaim our digital freedom and make tech work for us, not against us.
