The Digital Republic (EPZ) by Jamie Susskind : Taking Back Control of Technology 2023 Paperback NEW

In his book "The Digital Republic," Jamie Susskind delves into the pressing question of how freedom and democracy can survive in an era dominated by powerful digital technologies. Once hailed as a force for good, the tech industry and the internet have increasingly come under scrutiny due to issues such as biased algorithms, data breaches, and the spreading of misinformation and hate on social media platforms. Susskind contends that these problems stem not from a few individuals at the top of the industry, but from a broader failure to properly govern technology. This failure, he argues, is the result of years of muddled ideas and wishful thinking. To address these challenges, Susskind proposes the establishment of new legal standards, public bodies and institutions, duties on platforms, and rights and regulations. He suggests that a proactive approach is needed, one that includes new codes of conduct for individuals working in the tech industry. "The Digital Republic" draws inspiration from historical political essays and is heavily influenced by republican thought. Susskind envisions a society in which human and technological development go hand in hand. His proposed digital republic aims to strike a balance between innovation and the protection of individual rights and democratic values. The book highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to governing technology, as the issues at hand are multifaceted and interdependent. Susskind argues that relying solely on self-regulation by tech companies or relying on governments to solve these problems is not sufficient. Instead, he proposes a new model of governance that involves the cooperation of various stakeholders, including policymakers, technologists, civil society organizations, and the public. One of the key aspects of Susskind's vision is the establishment of new legal standards that reflect the unique challenges posed by digital technologies. These standards would address concerns such as privacy, data