We 'the people' gave away our wrights to "Big Tec"?

Historically, people have fought fiercely to protect their rights from overreach by governments, often with a deep understanding of the dangers of centralized power. However, Big Tech has grown so quickly and subtly that many people may not have realized they were trading their rights for convenience, connectivity, and technological advances.

Some reasons for this shift include:

1. Perceived Neutrality: Big Tech companies initially presented themselves as neutral platforms, offering tools and services that seemed harmless or even empowering. This perceived neutrality made it easier for people to trust them without questioning their motives.

2. Gradual Encroachment: Unlike governments, whose overreach often sparks immediate backlash, Big Tech's influence has grown incrementally. People weren’t asked to give away their rights all at once; instead, they consented to small compromises, such as agreeing to terms of service or sharing data for “personalized experiences.”

3. Convenience Over Freedom: Many of us prioritize convenience, efficiency, and connectivity over abstract concerns about privacy and rights. Big Tech exploited this preference, offering seemingly “free” services in exchange for personal data and gradually embedding themselves in our daily lives.

4. Lack of Awareness: The complexities of Big Tech's operations, such as how data is collected, shared, and used, remain opaque to many users. Without a clear understanding of the implications, people inadvertently surrender rights they might otherwise protect fiercely.

5. Distrust in Government: Ironically, historical battles against governmental overreach may have paved the way for Big Tech's rise. Many people trust corporations more than governments, viewing them as less prone to authoritarian control, even though they wield immense power in unregulated spaces.

6. Normalization of Surveillance: Over time, the normalization of surveillance technologies and the framing of data collection as a necessity for security or better services have desensitized people to the erosion of their rights.