Media: Diverse hands holding smartphones around a table, symbolizing tech giants. Square graphic overlay with purple and blue gradient.

DATE
27 MARCH 2018

LOCATION
SYDNEY TOWN HALL

STREAM
IQ2 Debate

Is morally neutral technology possible?

The tech giants have changed the way we vote, communicate and live. Have we given them too much influence?

When today’s tech giants burst into Silicon Valley, we hailed them as the democratising disruptors of old-school media. The rich information and consumer conveniences they offer have seen them eclipse their elders to become Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple – the most successful media companies to ever exist.

But a techlash is brewing. Deliberately addictive apps that change users’ neural pathways, inaction on online bullying, abuse of data, tax evasion, fake news, aggressive monopolising, and Russian bots meddling with US democracy are just some of the criticisms being hurled.

They’re in our pockets, homes, and heads. Is it time to tear up the influence of the tech giants? Or does this deny all the social good our reliably innovative harbingers of progress provide? Four leading experts took the IQ2 stage to take on the debate as we we asked if it’s time to tear down the tech giants.

Catch up

Did you miss out on the event? Came along but want to watch it again? Catch up on the full debate below.

Photo Gallery

Check out our photos from the event below.

Speakers

IQ2 Debate: Woman with blonde hair. The debate is about whether to tear down the tech giants.

Amanda Brown

is an Australian composer, classically trained musician, singer and songwriter. She is well-known for her former work as violinist for the Go-Betweens.

IQ2 Debate: Man with dark hair & arms crossed. Debating tech giants? Headshot of speaker in a blue shirt and black sweater.

John McDuling

John McDuling is a business, media and technology writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He was previously at Quartz, New York.

IQ2 Debate: Woman with blonde hair, wearing a navy top with a red lobster pin. Tech giants debate participant.

Claire Reilly

is a senior editor at CNET, where she is an expert in covering all things tech and digital. Follow her on twitter @reillystyley

IQ2 Debate: Man in hoodie. Debate speaker discussing tech giants. Portrait of a man with short hair and a dark hoodie. Outdoor setting.

Alan Jones

is an angel investor who builds startups. He is chief growth hacker at BlueChilli and investor at Startmate and Blackbird Ventures.

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Who is it for?

  • THE CURIOUS
  • THE FUTURIST
  • THE JOURNALIST
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What you'll take away

  • 01TECH’S POTENTIAL FOR GOOD - AND EVIL
  • 02THE DEPTH OF OUR DEPENDENCE ON GAFA
  • 03WHY OUR PRIVACY ISN’T AS IMPORTANT AS WE SAY IT IS
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Things to think about