Techno-Feudalism: Do You Know What It Is and Why It's a Little-Discussed Perspective? (An Article You Must Read and Share)

(By Taylor, in collaboration with the Infonegocios Miami team) Whether you agree or disagree with the concept of techno-feudalism, one thing is clear: concentrated power is never healthy. Not religious power, military might, state control, party dominance, ideological supremacy, or economic sector monopolies. Not social classes, minorities, or even feudal tech overlords in what is termed cloud capital. This is why self-critique, reflection, and awareness are crucial. What's striking is how little this topic is discussed. In a world where technology is advancing at breakneck speed and digitalization is taking over every facet of our daily lives, a term has emerged that has captivated academics, thinkers, and critics alike: techno-feudalism. This concept, which has gained traction over the past decade, provides a framework for understanding power dynamics in the digital age and how they resemble the power structures of medieval feudalism. It's a factual reality that demands ongoing attention, scrutiny, and action. In this article, we will explore what techno-feudalism is, who defines it, why we find ourselves in this era, its risks, and the voices both for and against this narrative.

Image description




Important:


And in Portuguese in the "Miami em Português" section.

What is Techno-Feudalism?

Techno-feudalism is defined as a socioeconomic system where large tech corporations and digital platforms act as new feudal lords, controlling resources, data, and the daily lives of users. This term has been popularized by thinkers like Yanis Varoufakis, former finance minister of Greece, and David Graeber, who points out that "large tech companies have created a system where wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few."

 




The Current Era and Its Similarities to Feudalism

We live in an era marked by increasing inequality and wealth concentration. Just as in feudal times, when lords owned land and peasants depended on them for survival, today’s users rely on tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon to access information, goods, and services. These "digital lords" possess the algorithms and data necessary to control the flow of information and resources, creating a new form of domination.

The importance of developing competencies in the network, in the cloud, in search engines, apps, servers, and technology in general.

 



Risks of Techno-Feudalism

The risks associated with techno-feudalism are numerous and concerning. Among them, we find:

 

Economic Inequality: The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few creates an ever-widening gap between the privileged and the rest of the population.

 

Loss of Privacy: Corporations collect and exploit personal data without proper consent, diminishing individual autonomy.

 

Misinformation and Control: The control of information by digital platforms can lead to manipulation and misinformation, undermining democracy and public opinion.





Voices Against and For Techno-Feudalism

Critics of Techno-Feudalism

 

Shoshana Zuboff: In her work "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism," Zuboff critiques how large tech companies have turned private life into an exploitable resource.

Noam Chomsky: The renowned linguist and philosopher argues that this new order benefits elites at the expense of democracy.

Jaron Lanier: This virtual reality pioneer warns about the consequences of the attention economy and how platforms manipulate human behavior.



Defenders of the System

Despite the criticisms, some argue that technology has democratized access to information and created new economic opportunities. Notable defenders include:

 

Marc Andreessen: The tech investor contends that digital platforms have fostered an unprecedented environment of innovation.

Peter Thiel: The co-founder of PayPal asserts that technology is a force for progress that can empower individuals.




 



  • IG: @infonegociosmiami




Representations in Popular Culture

Techno-feudalism has been explored in various works of literature, film, and video. Some recommendations include:

Books

"The Age of Surveillance Capitalism" by Shoshana Zuboff: A profound analysis of how tech companies manipulate and exploit our data.

"The Master Switch" by Tim Wu: A narrative about how communication industries oscillate between openness and control, akin to a feudal cycle.

 




Varoufakis has emerged as one of the most original thinkers on the Western left. A university professor and self-proclaimed libertarian Marxist economist, all his books are bestsellers. His latest work is “Techno-feudalism: The Silent Successor of Capitalism.”

 

Films and Documentaries

"The Social Dilemma: A documentary that delves into the impact of social media on society and the manipulation it exerts over human behavior.

"Ready Player One: Though a work of fiction, this film envisions a future where tech corporations dominate people's lives, reflecting themes of techno-feudalism.

 




Understanding a New Era of Inequality and Concealed Control

15 Tips on Why We Must Stay Vigilant and What to Do:



Privacy as a Resource: Privacy has become an exploitable resource. It’s crucial to protect our personal data and be aware of how it's used.

Power Inequality: The new order benefits the elite and perpetuates inequality. Advocating for a more equitable distribution of power and resources is essential.

Behavioral Manipulation: Digital platforms manipulate our decisions. We must be critical and skeptical of the content we consume.

 

Attention Economy: The current economy is based on capturing our attention. Limiting time spent on social media and platforms can help regain control.

Digital Literacy: Promoting digital literacy to better understand how technologies operate and how they impact our lives is vital.

Digital Activism: Engage with movements and organizations fighting for privacy and digital rights.

Platform Transparency: Demand greater transparency from tech companies regarding their practices and algorithms.

 

Support Ethical Alternatives: Choose services and platforms that respect privacy and operate ethically.

 

Periodic Disconnection: Taking breaks from technology can enhance mental well-being and emotional health.

 

Foster Dialogue: Promote conversations about technology's impact on society and the economy.

 

Get Involved Politically: Support policies that regulate the power of large tech companies.

 

Question Normalcy: Don’t blindly accept the norms imposed by platforms; scrutinize their impact on society.

Cultivate Human Relationships: Encourage face-to-face interactions to counteract digital isolation.

Know Your Rights: Stay informed about digital rights and how to protect your information.

 

Future Projection: Reflect on how technology may shape our lives in the coming decades and act accordingly to create a fairer future.




Projections for the Coming Decades:

 

Increased Surveillance: Surveillance technologies are likely to continue expanding, affecting individual privacy.

 

Growing Inequalities: The gap between those with access to technology and those without may widen, fostering further inequality.

Labor Revolution: Automation and artificial intelligence will transform the labor landscape, necessitating adaptation and new skills.

 

Nothing human with concentrated power is healthy.

We recommend seeking talks by the mentioned authors. Here are some terms you might use in your search:

 

  • “Yanis Varoufakis techno-feudalism”

 

  • “David Graeber economy”

 

  • “Shoshana Zuboff surveillance capitalism”

 

  • “Noam Chomsky technology and democracy”

 

  • “Jaron Lanier attention economy”





Infonegocios NETWORK: 4.5 million Anglo-Latinos united by a passion for business.

Subscribe for free to receive the most strategic, agile, and valuable insights at: https://infonegocios.miami/suscribite-al-newsletter

Contact Infonegocios MIAMI:
juan.maqueda@onefullagency.com or marcelo.maurizio@onefullagency.com

Tu opinión enriquece este artículo:

Miami también se queda con las Series Finales de Nascar en el 2026

(Por Maqueda y Maurizio) En 2026, Miami no será una ciudad: será un estadio global. Con el Mundial de Fútbol, Grand Prix de F1, Miami Open, Series NASCAR y más, el sur de Florida proyecta una inyección económica de USD $12.000 millones y audiencias multiculturales que redefinirán el sportainment. 

(5 Minutos de Lectura de alto valor estratégico) 

¿Por qué Miami es la capital de los rooftops 2025? ¿Cuáles son los top?

(Por Vera) Miami fue una de las primeras ciudades en América donde los rooftops se convirtieron en una tendencia popular, pero la idea no necesariamente se copió del modelo de Monte Carlo u otro lugar específico. La proliferación de rooftops en Miami fue parte de una tendencia global en la industria de la hospitalidad y el entretenimiento urbano, y una serie de condiciones hoy hacen que Miami sea la capital de los rooftops.

(5 minutos de lectura de alto valor)

Collabs estratégicas: ¿qué son y por qué son claves en toda empresa desde el 2024?

(Por Maurizio y Otero) ¿Cómo las alianzas innovadoras conquistan audiencias en Miami, LATAM y España. Por qué necesitas a un Head de Cultura para liderar este tipo de diferenciales y por qué hoy este tipo de estrategias, al igual que el crossing marketing, la integración de contenidos (product placement), la expansión de categorías y las experiencias phydigitales son el nuevo abc de toda marca.

(5 Minutos de Lectura de alto valor estratégico) 

El G20 2026 será en Miami: Trump elige su complejo turístico (si algo le faltaba a la ciudad para ser la nueva capital de Occidente, no solo de anglolatina, ya lo logró)

(Por Equipo de Geopolítica & Economía (Taylor-Molina-Maurizio)) La cumbre del G20 aterriza en Trump National Doral: Un enorme impulso económico. Donald Trump anunció que la cumbre de líderes del G20 2026 se celebrará en su complejo de lujo Trump National Doral (Miami), del 14 al 15 de diciembre. Todos los medios del mundo, (y las marcas e inversiones) necesitan más que nunca tener su base en Miami.

(Lectura de alto valor estratégico: 4 Minutos)

Asesinan a Charlie Kirk, aliado de Trump, en tiroteo durante evento en universidad de Utah: reacciones y claves del crimen

(Por Taylor-Molina) El gobernador Spencer Cox (Utah) califica el hecho como "asesinato político"; Trump ordena banderas a media asta y promete "justicia". La comunidad internacional está conmocionada. La paradoja es que tanto se dice que la derecha, los conservadores, los libertarios atacan a la prensa, hoy una vez más, todo pensador, esta vez un comentarista y miembro activo de los medios,  defensor de la familia,  del matrimonio, de las libres ideas, de la fé judeo cristiana, del respeto por la mujer,  por los niños, por la libertad, es asesinado.

(5 Minutos de lectura de alto valor estratégico) 

Empresas de Latam pierden US$ 287.000 Millones/Anual: error mortal, subestimar el marketing real (phydigital) en la era crossing (parte III)

(Por Maqueda, Maurizio y Otero) En 2025, mientras el mundo celebra la IA y el metaverso, LATAM comete un suicidio corporativo masivo: el 73% de sus empresas han eliminado stands, equipos de activación y presupuesto para OOH (publicidad exterior), creyendo que el “marketing digital” es la panacea (Datos: eMarketer). El resultado: marcas desangrándose en un océano de algoritmos, incapaces de conectar con humanos reales. Este artículo no es una crítica: es un plan de rescate. 

(Duración de lectura de valor: 5 minutos)