In farewell speech, Biden rails against the tech industrial complex and disinfo dismantling democracy
Jan 16, 2025 - theregister.com
In his final address to the nation, President Joe Biden warned of the growing influence of a "tech industrial complex" and the dangers posed by the concentration of power among a few ultra-wealthy individuals. He likened this to the historical "military industrial complex" and the Gilded Age's robber barons, emphasizing the threat to democracy, basic rights, and fair opportunities. Biden criticized the spread of misinformation and the diminishing role of fact-checking, urging accountability for social media platforms to protect democracy and society.
Biden also addressed the potential and risks of artificial intelligence, advocating for U.S. leadership in AI development. He signed an executive order to identify federal lands for AI datacenters, highlighting the need for governance in the AI era. Concluding his speech, Biden called on Americans to safeguard democracy and uphold the nation's institutions, expressing his enduring belief in the country's values and urging citizens to continue the legacy of protecting liberty and justice.
Key takeaways:
Biden warns of a technology-heavy oligopoly and the dangers of misinformation undermining democracy.
He criticizes the concentration of wealth and power among the ultra-rich, likening it to the Gilded Age.
Biden expresses concerns about AI's impact, while also recognizing its potential, and signs an executive order for AI datacenters.
He calls for Americans to protect democracy and maintain the system of checks and balances.
