By: Vanilla Publishing
The dominance of Big Tech corporations reshapes modern economies in ways that extend far beyond convenience and connectivity. These titans of industry—Google, Meta, Amazon, and others—wield unparalleled influence, often at the expense of fairness and competition. Although their hegemony speeds up innovation, it also hides “hidden costs” that tax governments, consumers, and smaller companies all around. Scott Cleland, a renowned expert in Internet accountability, highlights the cascading consequences of monopolistic practices and sheds light on the urgent need for reform.
The monopolies of Big Tech cause unnoticed economic consequences. Lost tax collections fall mostly on governments, who must support the infrastructure used by digital behemoths. Through monopolistic pricing, especially in sectors like online advertising, consumers pay growing expenses. Small firms struggle with lowered competitiveness and cannot match the financial and technological capability of these companies simultaneously.
As an example, consider online advertising. Dominating the digital ad scene, platforms like Google and Meta dictate pricing policies and leave advertisers with few choices. Higher pricing for goods and services follow from this concentration, inflating expenses, which flow down to consumers. Often priced out and unable to compete in an ecosystem meant to support established monopolies are smaller businesses.
As the founder of Precursor® LLC, Cleland has pioneered change research, a field that predicts structural changes and points up unexpected repercussions. His vast research explores the hidden externalities of Big Tech domination, calculating what he considers the “$ trillion public cost” of U.S. internet policies. Cleland’s analysis exposes how negligent policies have allowed tech monopolies to flourish at the expense of broader societal welfare. He argues that regulatory capture—where companies influence and weaken the rules meant to govern them—undermines competition, innovation, and justice. This systemic issue perpetuates inequality and stifles economic growth.
In 2018, Cleland’s research provided a stark quantification of the economic burden created by Big Tech monopolies. His study revealed how subsidies, tax loopholes, and unaccountable practices collectively cost the public an estimated $1.5 trillion. This figure reflects the vast scale of wealth extraction facilitated by internet monopolies.
Cleland cautions, “We see the erosion of markets, fairness, and finally, public trust when platforms run without accountability.” His observations encouraged legislators to reevaluate the regulations allowing the unbridled power of digital titans and their influence.
Cleland’s campaigning transcends scholarly work. His testimony before Congress has helped to define the debate on digital government and antitrust enforcement. Arguing that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act’s extensive immunity clauses encourage reckless activity, he has argued for changes to that law. Cleland testified in May 2024, stressing the need to sunset Section 230 and calling legislators to give responsibility top priority.
Cleland drives continuous research on Google and Meta. His efforts prepared the way for antitrust investigations meant to destroy monopolistic behavior. His work inspired a nonpartisan “Techlash,” a rising movement to make Big Tech responsible by revealing how these corporations unite power.
Restoring digital economic fairness requires audacious action. Cleland’s reform approach emphasizes three pillars: antitrust enforcement, responsibility policies, and fair internet governance. He supports laws that would stop monopolies from abusing their market supremacy and provide conditions where smaller businesses may flourish.
“We must recognize the economic harm caused by these monopolies and act swiftly to correct course,” Cleland asserts. “Without accountability, the promise of the digital age will continue to be overshadowed by its costs.” He worked with the Restore US Institute to highlight systemic solutions and create a more responsible and equitable internet.
The economic fallout of internet monopolies is neither abstract nor inevitable. It is the product of deliberate policies and practices that prioritize profit over fairness. Addressing these issues requires sustained effort, informed by experts like Scott Cleland.
Will policymakers heed the warnings of thought leaders like Cleland and act decisively? Or will the unchecked power of monopolies continue to shape the future at the expense of equity and innovation? The answers to these questions will determine the trajectory of economies worldwide.
Published by Stephanie M.
