Tech Giants' Bias Against Global South

In the ongoing discourse surrounding social media and artificial intelligence, a significant concern arises regarding the origins and implications of these technologies, predominantly developed in the United States and China. These platforms are not neutral; they embody specific worldviews and influence social relations and democratic processes. In countries like Brazil and across Latin America and Africa, the rules governing public debate are dictated by these foreign platforms, which often do not align with the local societal values or needs. The absence of indigenous platforms exacerbates this issue, leaving these regions vulnerable to external influences. The disparity in regulatory frameworks between regions is particularly troubling. While Europe has established regulations for digital platforms, Latin America lacks similar protections, leading to a situation where platforms comply with European laws but disregard the rights of users in the Global South. This imbalance highlights the platforms' significant role in shaping political processes, especially in Brazil, where social media and AI are deeply integrated into daily life. As digital technologies become more pervasive, there is a growing awareness of their impact on democracy. The pressing question now is how societies can envision and construct a democratic framework that is relevant in the digital age. This involves not only discussions about regulation but also a broader contemplation of what digital democracy should entail. To address these challenges, there is a call for an information agenda rooted in the realities of the Global South. The principles of information integrity must be redefined to reflect the unique social contexts of these regions, which have histories marked by colonization, slavery, and significant social inequality. The fight for media democratization in Brazil during the 1990s and early 2000s serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for diverse representation in digital spaces.