Is the world entering a new era of data colonization — and what does it mean for power, privacy, and global inequality?
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna and Harinda break down how data has become the most valuable resource on the planet — and how governments, corporations, and tech giants are racing to claim it. From invisible extraction and algorithmic control to geopolitical power plays and digital dependency, this isn’t just a tech issue. It’s a structural shift that echoes centuries of resource exploitation, now happening at the speed of the internet.
In this episode, we explore:
- What “data colonization” actually means — and why it mirrors historical patterns of extraction and control.
- How platforms build long-term dependency through infrastructure, incentives, and narrative power.
- The global imbalance between those who generate data and those who profit from it.
- Why the future of privacy, sovereignty, and human rights depends on understanding who holds the power in the digital world.
⏰Chapters
00:00 The New Age of Data Colonization
00:53 Understanding the Mechanics of Data Extraction
03:01 The Tech Giants: Modern Day Colonizers
04:10 The Geopolitical Landscape of Data
06:23 The Ethical Implications of Data Control
13:58 Data as a Tool for Infiltration
16:51 Digital Sovereignty: A New Frontier
18:35 Sovereignty Across Levels: Government, Company, Individual
20:35 Payment Systems: Swift vs. BRICS
24:35 The Role of Tech CEOs in Geopolitics
24:56 Ethics and Regulation in Tech
30:50 History Repeating: Lessons from the Past
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