Prof. Iain Benson: Big Tech out of Control

SUMMARY:
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If you’re interested in how tech companies shape our society, Professor Iain Benson’s short talk at the panel is a smart, down-to-earth listen. He argues that the problem isn’t just powerful platforms, it’s that our education and public conversation have taught people how to build and run technology (tecne) without teaching why we should use it (telos). Benson points out that when technical experts run everything without a sense of purpose, we end up with poor social policy — he even uses pandemic responses to show how single-discipline thinking can fail. He also makes a strong case for treating big tech more like a public utility: information is the new oil, so the platforms carrying that information need more public-interest oversight. Along the way he touches on censorship, historical debates about the press, and Australia’s existing internet rules. It’s pragmatic rather than alarmist — a clear call to re-think regulation, education and civic responsibility in the digital age. A good watch if you want plain-speaking analysis rather than hype.

RUMBLE DESCRIPTION:
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Professor Iain Benson delivers a thoughtful analysis examining whether "Big Tech has overstepped its bounds" and explores potential solutions. Drawing from his legal and philosophical expertise, Benson contrasts the ancient Greek concepts of tecne (technical skill) and telos (life purpose), arguing that contemporary education and leadership prioritize technical expertise while neglecting to teach meaningful purpose. This fundamental imbalance, he contends, creates conditions where technology leaders and platform executives make culture-shaping decisions without proper public oversight.
The professor examines the historical development of censorship and content moderation policies, proposing a compelling reframe: treating information companies like public utilities, similar to how society regulates "the new oil." This approach would enable stronger government regulation and public-interest oversight rather than relying solely on corporate self-governance. Benson references real-world policy failures — including narrow pandemic response strategies — as examples of what occurs when technical expertise operates without broader societal wisdom.
This presentation maintains a practical, non-alarmist tone throughout. The content proves valuable for viewers interested in digital governance, media law, educational reform, and technology ethics. Benson's combination of legal expertise and philosophical insight provides an excellent foundation for Australians and international audiences considering platform regulation and civic duty in our digital age.
The discussion offers concrete frameworks for understanding how democratic societies can better balance technological innovation with public accountability and social responsibility.

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