Steve Bannon to the NYTs Ross Douthat: on the seriousness of Technofeudalism
Technofeudalism refers to a new economic system dominated by Big Tech, where data replaces traditional capital as the primary resource of power and profit. Proponents argue that modern capitalists no longer prioritize reinvesting in productivity or innovation. Instead, they create monopolistic platforms that extract and commodify user data for profit. This dynamic positions tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Facebook as feudal overlords, controlling critical infrastructure akin to utilities while exploiting user behavior as “behavioral surplus.” Critics liken this to a dystopian system of surveillance and control, where individuals serve as data sources, enriching tech monopolists while eroding autonomy and public choice.
Catholic Critique 