Digital hegemony: A looming threat in digitalization age
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Tin Zar Lynn (NP News) - Nov 20
The digital age is upon us, ushering in a new era where technology is not just a tool, but the very framework that shapes how we live, work, and interact. From artificial intelligence to ubiquitous connectivity, digital advancements are rapidly transforming every facet of society—altering economies, disrupting industries, and reimagining human relationships. As we increasingly rely on digital platforms for everything from communication to commerce, the digital realm is becoming not just a part of our lives, but the foundation upon which our future is built.
Digital hegemony
Digital hegemony refers to the dominance exerted by powerful entities—such as tech companies—over the digital landscape. It draws on Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony, where power is maintained not just through force but by shaping cultural and societal norms. In the digital age, this power is exerted through control over digital platforms, data, and algorithms that govern our online experiences. Tech giants like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple dominate much of the digital realm, influencing everything from consumer behavior to political discourse.
These platforms control vast amounts of data, shaping how users interact with content. Algorithms prioritize certain content, often amplifying polarizing or extreme views, which can influence public opinion and political outcomes. In addition, companies like Amazon and Google dominate entire digital markets, creating monopolistic conditions that limit competition. Through the collection and sale of user data, platforms also exert influence over consumer behavior, while companies like Netflix and Spotify dictate cultural trends based on user preferences.
The digital ecosystem also features "walled gardens"—closed systems that encourage users to remain within a platform’s ecosystem. Apple's control over its products and services, for instance, makes it difficult for users to switch to competitors, further solidifying the company's dominance in both the digital market and in shaping cultural and social trends.
Digital hegemony in Myanmar’s politics
Since the declaration of the state of emergency in Myanmar in February 2021, social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter have become battlegrounds for political influence, playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative both domestically and internationally. Anti-government activists have effectively used these platforms to rally support, organize protests, and amplify their messages. However, the algorithms that drive these platforms often prioritize content that sparks engagement—typically more extreme or polarizing viewpoints—thereby amplifying anti-government narratives while suppressing or removing pro-military content. This selective amplification creates an unbalanced representation of the political situation, with digital platforms acting as gatekeepers of information.
Such platform interventions are a clear example of digital hegemony, where the policies and biases of Western-led companies influence the political trajectory other countries. These platforms, often aligned with Western ideals of democracy and human rights, shape public discourse by deciding which voices are amplified and which are silenced. In Myanmar, this external influence complicates an already volatile political crisis, further deepening polarization and making it harder for local actors to have a fair and neutral platform to present their views. Moreover, the lack of accountability for these platforms—operating with minimal regard for Myanmar’s sovereignty or legal context—raises important questions about the power of digital giants to interfere in the political affairs of sovereign nations.
Legal and political challenges
The influence of Western-led social platforms in global politics raises legal concerns, especially since these platforms often operate without strict regulations. Many governments argue that platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube exert undue influence over local politics, undermining national laws, culture, and sovereignty. For example, these platforms frequently operate across borders with little regard for the regulatory frameworks of the countries they affect, leading to conflicts over issues like data privacy, content moderation, and political interference.
In response to these concerns, some countries have imposed regulations, fines, or even bans on these platforms. The European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) seeks to hold platforms accountable for the content they host, while India and Brazil have introduced laws to combat misinformation during elections. In extreme cases, countries like Russia and Turkey have banned major Western platforms, citing national security and the need to protect local political ecosystems from foreign influence.
These actions highlight the growing tension between national sovereignty and the dominance of Western tech giants. While some argue that these platforms are essential for free expression, others view their lack of regulatory oversight as a threat to democracy and national security. Without a consistent international legal framework to govern the operations of these platforms, the question of whether digital hegemony undermines the legal and political systems of non-Western countries remains unresolved.