Rethinking Tech

Half the world’s population is under 30—yet young people are often left out of the conversations shaping their future. In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna sits down with Eugenia Olliaro, a global leader in responsible technology for children and youth engagement. From her work at UNICEF’s Responsible Data for Children initiative to advising international organizations, Eugenia shares why meaningful youth participation is critical for shaping policies, technology, and data governance.We explore:🧒 Why young people are excluded from key decisions—and how to change that🔍 The risks and opportunities of children’s data in a connected world🌍 Global examples of countries doing youth engagement right🗣️ How language, culture, and local context impact participation👥 What it takes to move beyond tokenism to real inclusionIf you care about the intersection of technology, rights, and the next generation’s voice, this conversation is for you.🕒 Chapters00:00 – Why Youth Voices Matter02:15 – The Power of a Young World05:40 – Why Youth Get Left Out09:20 – Kids’ Data: Risks & Rewards14:05 – Youth Engagement That Works18:50 – Beyond Tokenism23:10 – Culture & Context Matter27:40 – Tips for Policymakers & Tech Leaders31:25 – Final Call to ActionLINK TO SURVEY! 👋 Stay in the Loop- Follow Eugenia on LinkedIn! 🔗 Full transcript + sources → https://rethinktech.substack.com/ 📩 Free episode briefs → link pinned in comments Hosts: Aparna Bhushan | Harinda Katugaha👍 Like • 🔔 Subscribe • 🔄 Share

In this episode of Rethinking Tech, host Aparna sits down with Bo Viktor Nylund, a seasoned humanitarian leader and author of When Everything Falls Apart: Exploring Liminality at UNICEF.As global systems crack under pressure, from war and economic uncertainty to crumbling institutions, Aparna and Bo Viktor explore the concept of liminality: the unsettling in-between state when the old has collapsed but the new has yet to form.Together, they dive into:🔍 What liminality really means (and why it matters now)🌍 How societies and institutions respond in times of breakdown🏛️ How organizations can survive and even thrive through chaos🤖 The evolving role of technology in uncertain timesIf you're feeling disoriented by the state of the world, this conversation offers clarity, reflection, and a unique lens for understanding change.🕙 Chapters00:00 Navigating Change Management and Teleworking04:29 Transitioning from Law to Humanitarian Work09:05 Understanding Liminality in Today's Context13:30 Historical Perspectives on Liminal Periods17:54 The Urgency of Change in Global Institutions23:04 Embracing Youth Perspectives in Decision Making29:27 Navigating AI's Role in Education and Child Welfare33:27 The Dual Nature of AI: Opportunities and Risks👋 Stay in the Loop🔗 Connect with Bo Viktor Nylund on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠!🔗 Full transcript + sources → https://rethinktech.substack.com/ 📩 Free episode briefs → link pinned in comments Hosts: Aparna Bhushan | Harinda Katugaha👍 Like • 🔔 Subscribe • 🔄 ShareShow YouTube you prefer deep dives over clickbait

Check out Safir on Linkedin!https://www.linkedin.com/in/safirjamal/Also visit: https://globalnomadpass.com/In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Harinda sits down with Safir Jamal, founder of Global Nomad Pass and an internationalist who’s traveled to 80+ countries, to unpack the complex, often hidden forces shaping the travel and tourism industry.From Airbnb to Booking.com, travel seems personal but it’s deeply geopolitical. Safir explains how governments, data, algorithms, and international tourism boards all play critical roles behind the scenes. We dive into:🌍 The geopolitics of travel🧠 The algorithms shaping what we see and book📊 The data powering the industry—and who really benefits from it🏛️ The role of ministries and tourism boards in shaping global mobility⏰ Timestamps02:41 The Benefits of Tourism for Local Economies50:47 The Impact of Tourism on Employment53:28 Tourism as a Tool for Education and Cultural Exchange 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on tech and power. & show your support for us! 👥 Connect & Deepen Your Insight• Aparna Bhushan — LinkedIn• Harinda Katugaha — LinkedIn• Full transcripts, sources & visuals → https://rethinktech.substack.com/🎧 Follow Rethinking Tech for weekly briefings that link technology, geopolitics, and ethics—delivered without the noise

What if we invested in peace the same way we invest in war? In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna speaks with Stefaan Verhulst, co-founder of the GovLab in New York and The Data Tank in Brussels, about the overlooked and underfunded world of PeaceTech.We explore:What is PeaceTech really?Why it’s drastically underfundedHow AI, data, and policy can support peaceCultural biases that make peace seem "soft"The potential for PeaceTech to rival Palantir, Anduril & other DefenseTech companies🕙 Chapters00:00 Intro to Stefaan Verhulst and his work03:56 Explaining PeaceTech13:30 Cultural Barriers to PeaceTech17:03 The Role of Technology in Conflict and Peace20:47 Examples of Successful Peace Tech Innovations24:49 The Future of PeaceTech and Its Potential28:26 Final Thoughts & Advice on Peace Tech👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on tech and power. & show your support for us on the following platforms:- Instagram- LinkedIn- Substack

In this episode, Aparna and Harinda take on the crisis in Ivy League education — from the growing politicization of elite universities like Harvard to the broader questions of how technology and geopolitics are rewriting the future of learning. Is the Ivy League model broken, or is it evolving to meet a new era?👉 What we cover:The attacks on Harvard and other top schools: Are they political strategies?How Ivy League institutions are struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly changing worldWhat the future of education looks like — beyond traditional universitiesThe role of AI and technology in reshaping how we learn and workThe geopolitical implications of an education system tied to national power and influenceMedia of the Week:Aparna's Pick: Trump Administration Stops New Student Visa InterviewsHarinda's Pick: The New Age of AI and Education (YouTube)📌 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Crisis in Ivy League Education07:27 The Attack on Harvard: A Political Strategy13:02 Rethinking Education: The Future Beyond Ivy Leagues20:42 The Future of Education21:41 Technology's Impact on Education29:18 Geopolitical Implications of Education33:52 Rethinking Ivy League Education👥 Connect with Us:• Aparna Bhushan on LinkedIn• Harinda Katugaha on LinkedIn• Learn more: rethinkingtech.co🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday as we rethink the intersection of technology, politics, and education.

Welcome to Rethinking Tech's first guest interview! We’re kicking off with a powerful conversation featuring Ruth Cabal, former CNN anchor and journalist. Together, we explore how technology, AI, and social media are reshaping elections, politics, and the very foundation of truth in the digital era.👉 What we cover:Ruth’s journey as a journalist in an age of deepfakes and algorithmic manipulationThe impact of AI-generated misinformation on elections and democracyA deep dive into the Philippine elections and lessons for global democraciesHow social media, Cambridge Analytica, trolls, and disinformation campaigns have changed how voters engage with truthThe rise of historical revisionism and the challenges for journalists in an era of digital distortionThe future of AI in journalism and why human connection and trust matter more than ever📌 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Ruth Cabal and Her Work02:23 The Impact of Deep Fakes on Journalism05:07 Reflections on Recent Global Events10:29 Overview of the Philippine Elections16:22 Political Dynamics in the Philippines23:39 The Role of Social Media in Elections28:09 The Role of Cambridge Analytica in Elections29:32 Trolls and Disinformation Campaigns31:34 Historical Revisionism and Its Impact33:12 The Scrubbing of Truth-Based Information35:21 Navigating Misinformation as a Journalist44:55 The Future of AI and Journalism48:15 The Importance of Human Connection in Technology👥 Connect with us:• ⁠⁠Ruth Cabal on LinkedIn⁠⁠• Aparna Bhushan on LinkedIn• Harinda Katugaha on LinkedIn• Learn more: rethinkingtech.co🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday and bonus interviews like this one — join us as we rethink the intersection of technology, ethics, and society.

U.S. Big Tech is reshaping Europe — from culture and language to regulation, geopolitics, and digital identity. In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda break down how American platforms, AI systems, and tech power are influencing the European Union’s values, sovereignty, and future.We explore:Why U.S. tech companies dominate European digital infrastructureHow American social media standards are shifting European culture and linguistic diversityThe impact of AI models built on U.S. values and biasesWhether the EU can still preserve its cultural identity in a digital-first worldHow geopolitics, NATO, security, and economic dependence tie Europe even closer to the U.S.The controversial EU “digital omnibus” deregulation effortWhether Europe is too late to build its own sovereign technology stack⏰Chapters 00:00 The Impact of US Tech on European Values06:57 Tech Players and Their Influence15:18 Geopolitical Implications of Tech20:37 Affordability Crises and Geopolitical Implications23:16 EU's Stance on Climate Change and Global Conflicts26:04 Cultural Values and Nationalism in Europe28:32 Technology Sovereignty and European Identity36:01 The Future of European Values in a Globalized World📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

Is the world entering a new era of data colonization — and what does it mean for power, privacy, and global inequality? In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna and Harinda break down how data has become the most valuable resource on the planet — and how governments, corporations, and tech giants are racing to claim it. From invisible extraction and algorithmic control to geopolitical power plays and digital dependency, this isn’t just a tech issue. It’s a structural shift that echoes centuries of resource exploitation, now happening at the speed of the internet.In this episode, we explore: - What “data colonization” actually means — and why it mirrors historical patterns of extraction and control.- How platforms build long-term dependency through infrastructure, incentives, and narrative power.- The global imbalance between those who generate data and those who profit from it.- Why the future of privacy, sovereignty, and human rights depends on understanding who holds the power in the digital world.⏰Chapters 00:00 The New Age of Data Colonization00:53 Understanding the Mechanics of Data Extraction03:01 The Tech Giants: Modern Day Colonizers04:10 The Geopolitical Landscape of Data06:23 The Ethical Implications of Data Control13:58 Data as a Tool for Infiltration16:51 Digital Sovereignty: A New Frontier18:35 Sovereignty Across Levels: Government, Company, Individual20:35 Payment Systems: Swift vs. BRICS24:35 The Role of Tech CEOs in Geopolitics24:56 Ethics and Regulation in Tech30:50 History Repeating: Lessons from the Past📌 Stay Connected🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RethinkingTech🎶  TikTok: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

Your car isn’t just a machine anymore — it’s become a computer on wheels, quietly collecting your data (and sharing it), every time you drive. In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda explore how the auto industry has slowly converged with the tech industry. From Tesla’s massive codebase to China’s EV dominance and the hidden data streams inside your dashboard, they unpack the politics, ethics, and power behind the modern vehicle. What does it mean when mobility becomes surveillance — and who really owns the road in the age of smart cars?⏰Chapters📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

As AI chatbots, companions, and tutors become part of daily life, today’s youth are growing up in a world shaped by algorithms. In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna and Harinda unpack the profound impact of AI on mental health, education, and identity — and ask: Are we protecting our youth, or outsourcing their development to machines?From AI companions and teen loneliness, to education and critical thinking, to the geopolitical power of algorithms, this conversation dives deep into what it means to grow up in the age of artificial intelligence.We explore: -How AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Replika, and Character.AI are changing social development- The rise of loneliness and digital dependency among teens- What happens when classrooms — and even friendships — go AI-first- The growing gap between AI policy and youth protection- Why governments and parents are struggling to keep up⏰Chapters00:00 The Importance of Discussing Youth and Technology01:32 AI's Impact on Youth Development04:53 AI Companionship: A New Reality07:38 The Role of AI in Education13:20 Guardrails for AI in the Classroom18:02 The Role of Community in Youth Development18:27 Youth Unemployment Crisis19:24 The Relevance of Higher Education20:47 Geopolitical Influences on Education22:38 Investing in AI Education for Future Competitiveness24:11 Youth Representation in Governance25:25 The Impact of AI on Youth and Misinformation28:00 Regulating AI and Its Ethical Implications30:50 The Loneliness Epidemic and AI Companionship34:26 The Algorithm's Influence on Youth Perspectives36:01 Protecting Youth in a Digital Age📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Amnesty International’s Pat De Brún joins Harinda to unpack how Big Tech has become one of the most powerful—and dangerous—forces shaping our world.From Elon Musk’s influence on political extremism to the EU’s retreat on digital regulation, and from AI’s false climate promises to governments’ growing dependence on U.S. tech giants, this conversation reveals the hidden architecture of global power—and what it means for democracy, human rights, and the future of work.👉 Topics covered:How Facebook, Google, and X (Twitter) fuel far-right extremism and polarizationThe EU’s Digital Services Act and the push toward deregulationThe geopolitical tug-of-war between the U.S. and Europe over tech powerWhat individuals and governments can actually do to resist Big Tech control.⏰Chapters00:00 Introduction to Big Tech Accountability03:22 The Evolution of Tech and Human Rights05:58 The Global Impact of Social Media09:01 Geopolitical Dynamics and Big Tech12:41 Regulatory Challenges in the EU16:46 The Future of Tech Regulation21:31 EU's Digital Sovereignty and Big Tech's Influence24:52 The Impact of AI on Society and Employment28:21 Public Perception of AI and Big Tech Investments31:26 Individual Agency in the Age of Big Tech34:52 Youth Representation and Political Mobilization38:04 Crossing the Line: The Threats of Big Tech and Climate Crisis📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

How can young innovators reshape the future of education from AI-powered classrooms to inclusive learning for all?In this Rethinking Tech x UNICEF Youth Fellowship special, Aparna sits down with four inspiring fellows whose projects are transforming education across the globe. Each of them is rethinking how technology, access, and inclusion can redefine opportunity in their communities — and beyond. Meet the Fellows:- Beatrice Afia Wilson (Ghana) — Building AI-powered learning hubs that unite students and teachers.- Korkemay Mukhitova (Kazakhstan) — Advancing inclusive education that celebrates every ability. - Crystal Isanda (Kenya) — Teaching AI literacy as a core skill for the future of work.- Soumeya Voulani (Mauritania) — Mobilizing families to champion girls’ right to education.These stories are part of the UNICEF Youth Fellowship’s upcoming global report on inclusive and tech-driven education — coming November 13. (Link to report coming soon.)Listen to how young leaders are bridging divides, breaking barriers, and building education systems that leave no one behind.⏰Chapters00:00: Introduction00:10: Interview with Beatrice Afia Wilson (Ghana)10:30: Interview with Korkemay Mukhitova (Kazakhstan)20:21: Interview with Crystal Isanda (Kenya) 28:40: Interview with Soumeya Voulani (Mauritania)📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

Can the world’s two biggest superpowers share the future of artificial intelligence — or are we headed for a full-blown Tech Cold War? 🌍💥In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna and Harinda unpack the fierce U.S.–China rivalry that’s reshaping the global tech landscape. From AI innovation and semiconductor sanctions to TikTok bans and quantum supremacy, this is more than a race for technology — it’s a battle for power, data, and control over the digital world.🎙️ In this episode, we explore:- How the U.S.–China tech war became the defining struggle of the 21st century.- The global fight for AI dominance — and who’s really winning.- Why semiconductors and supply chains are the new oil.- What this rivalry means for democracy, innovation, and everyday life.⏰Chapters00:00 Introduction to US-China Tech Rivalry01:32 Historical Context of US-China Relations04:27 The Huawei Saga and Tech Decoupling07:18 Social Media and National Security09:28 Cultural Differences in Tech Approaches12:04 Rare Earth Minerals and AI14:53 Geopolitical Chess Game: Allies and Strategies17:02 Economic Implications of Decoupling19:31 The Role of Ethics in Tech Governance22:27 Future Predictions: War and Peace24:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts33:26 The Role of Technology in Global Power Dynamics36:08 Taiwan's Strategic Importance in US-China Relations38:22 Understanding Geopolitical Implications for Individuals📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

Is Bitcoin just digital money — or the blueprint for a new civilization? In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna sits down with writer and entrepreneur Aleks Svetski to unpack Bitcoin’s deeper meaning — beyond price charts and speculation. From personal freedom to global power structures, they explore how Bitcoin could redefine the moral, political, and economic fabric of the world.🎧 This episode, Aparna and Aleks explore:- ⚡ How Bitcoin challenges the foundations of modern finance.- 🧠 The philosophical roots of “perfect money.”- 🏛️ Why fiat currency fuels control — and how Bitcoin resists it.- 🌍 What a Bitcoin-based civilization might look like centuries from now.- 🔥 Why saving, not spending, could be the most radical act of freedom.⏰ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin and Crypto Landscape03:46 Svetski's Journey: From Debt to Bitcoin Advocate06:49 Understanding Bitcoin: The Perfect Money12:27 Bitcoin vs. Altcoins: The Case for Bitcoin14:08 The Future of Bitcoin: A Long-Term Perspective14:21 Fiat Money: A Tool of Soft Totalitarianism15:09 The Nature of Central Banking and Theft16:08 Understanding Totalitarianism and Authoritarianism17:46 Geopolitical Dynamics of Fiat Power20:44 The Future of Governance and Power Dynamics23:28 Bitcoin as a Mechanism for Change24:43 Bitcoin: More Than Just Technology26:00 Winners and Losers in the Bitcoin Era28:28 Practical Advice for Engaging with BitcoinFollow Aleks on LinkedInLinks to Alek’s Work:Why Bitcoin, Not ShitcoinFiat, Fascism & Communism Aenean MoneyThe Bitcoin Times📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

Can democracy survive the digital age — or is it already being rewritten by algorithms and Big Tech? 💻In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna and Harinda dive deep into how technology, social media, and data are transforming — and threatening — the foundations of modern democracy. From election interference to algorithmic manipulation, they explore whether our political systems can keep up in a world run by code.- 🎧 In this episode, Aparna and Harinda explore:- 🧠 How algorithms shape what we see, think, and vote for.- 📱 The role of social media in spreading misinformation and division.- 💻 How Big Tech platforms influence political power.- 🌍 Global examples of democracy under digital pressure.- ⚖️ What it takes to protect free choice in a connected world.⏰Chapters00:00 Rethinking Democracy in the Digital Age01:28 The Role of Technology in Democracy04:33 Manipulation and Micro-Targeting in Elections08:29 The Impact of Algorithms on Public Sentiment13:41 The Threat of Opaque Micro-Targeting17:07 Geopolitical Implications of Democracy18:57 Global Perspectives on Democracy19:59 The Fallacy of Democracy in Developing Countries21:04 Governance: The Spectrum of Democracy23:47 The Complexity of Democracy: Beyond Elections26:06 Accountability in Political Systems28:33 The Dirty Business of Lobbying32:31 The Purpose of Democracy: Informed Citizens35:24 The Rise of Non-Politicians in Politics📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

Why did Donald Trump put a $100K price tag on immigration and what’s really at stake? In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda unpack Trump’s controversial visa proposal, the political strategy behind it, and the ripple effects on immigration, technology, and the global economy.In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda explore: - 🇺🇸 Trump’s $100K visa plan — reform or political stunt? - 💼 The impact on H1-B visas, skilled workers, and U.S. immigration policy. - 💻 How Silicon Valley and Big Tech could gain — or lose. - 🌍 Global competition for talent and America’s role in the tech race. - ⚖️ The political stakes heading into 2025.- 📊 What this plan reveals about the intersection of politics, economics, and technology.⏰Chapters:00:00 The Complex Landscape of Immigration02:45 The Historical Context of Immigration04:41 The Tech-Immigration Nexus07:22 The Geopolitical Implications of Immigration18:43 Geopolitical Implications of Immigration Policies20:52 The EU's Complex Immigration Landscape24:00 Balancing Humanitarian Needs and National Interests25:54 Winners and Losers in Global Immigration Dynamics29:51 The Ethical Dilemma of Immigration Prioritization38:06 Finding Common Ground in Immigration Debate📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

Trump just made a massive move on TikTok — but who really wins? In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda break down the $80B deal, China’s strategy, and what it means for U.S. national security, social media, and global tech power.In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda explore:- 🇺🇸 Trump’s TikTok deal and the implications for U.S. national security.- 🇨🇳 China’s role, the algorithm, and why they may have “folded.”- 💰 The $80B valuation — who really wins and loses.- 📱 Data, privacy, and the influence of social media on politics.- 🌍 How this deal could set a global precedent for foreign tech companies.- ⚖️ The intersection of power, trade, and technology in a new era.⏰ Chapters00:00 - The TikTok Dilemma: National Security and Geopolitics05:24 - Data Privacy and National Defense10:19 - Winners and Losers in the Tech Landscape14:06 - Geopolitical Implications of the TikTok Deal19:14 - Ethical Considerations in National Security31:32 - Conclusion: The Broader Implications of the TikTok Deal📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.

Nepal just blacked out WhatsApp, TikTok, and more—sparking deadly protests, toppling a prime minister, and dragging India and China into chaos. One government order set off a chain reaction the world can’t ignore.In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda unpack the fallout: why a single shutdown can ignite nationwide unrest, how algorithms reward outrage, and what happens when governments, Big Tech, and citizens all fight for control of the same digital space.🔥 What you’ll discover:- How Nepal’s social-media ban triggered riots and a citizen-led government shake-up. ⚡ -Why uprisings from France to Sri Lanka rarely create lasting reform. 🌍- The high-stakes tug-of-war between governments, tech platforms, and everyday users when networks go dark. 📱- How outrage-driven algorithms push politics to the extremes. 🔥What this means for the future of free speech and digital democracy. 🗳️🕒 Chapters00:00 Global Protests: A Catalyst for Change?05:26 The Importance of Protests10:11 Nepal's Political Landscape and Geopolitics14:29 Geopolitical Implications of Nepal's Protests18:43 The Intersection of Technology and Law Enforcement23:20 The Challenges of Global Values in Tech28:10 Government Control and Public Reaction👋 Stay in the LoopAparna Bhushan → LinkedInHarinda Katugaha → LinkedIn👉 Subscribe to Rethinking Tech for weekly deep dives into tech, power, and geopolitics: rethinkingtech.substack.com

Google just walked out of the biggest antitrust trial of our time with Chrome intact, its $20B Apple deal untouched, and Big Tech’s grip stronger than ever. The court blinked — but what does that mean for the rest of us?In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda unpack the fallout: why defaults matter more than free choice, how AI quietly shaped the judge’s reasoning, and what happens when the legal system tasked with checking Big Tech might be too outdated to do the job.🔥 What you’ll discover:Why the court refused to break up Chrome 🏛️How generative AI tipped the scales in Google’s favor 🤖The $20B Apple–Google deal and the hidden power of defaults 📱What “too big to fail” means in the age of Big Tech 💥How U.S. politics and geopolitics warp antitrust outcomes 🌍The ethics of leaving tech regulation to judges ⚖️Why trust in law may now be falling faster than trust in tech itself🕒 Chapters00:00 – Google’s Antitrust Case: A Major Ruling03:01 – Understanding the Context: How We Got Here08:34 – Implications for the Tech Industry and AI12:51 – Big Tech: Too Big to Fail?17:06 – The Role of Defaults and Market Dynamics21:01 – Navigating Antitrust Challenges24:22 – The Browser Market and AI Integration27:56 – Geopolitical Implications of Tech Dominance31:47 – US Administration’s Stance on Big Tech35:54 – Consumer Sentiment and Market Dynamics39:49 – Judicial Competence in Managing Digital Markets44:54 – The Future of Law and Technology👋 Stay in the LoopAparna Bhushan → LinkedInHarinda Katugaha → LinkedIn👉 Subscribe to Rethinking Tech for weekly deep dives into tech, power, and geopolitics: rethinkingtech.substack.com

When the U.S. government takes a 10% stake in Intel, it’s not just about semiconductors — it’s about rewriting the rules of capitalism. What happens when Washington stops being just the regulator and starts acting like a shareholder?In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda explore how America’s bold new move reshapes the chip industry, global supply chains, and even geopolitics. From rare earth minerals to Germany’s industrial decline, from taxpayer bailouts to national security, this is the story of how one investment could ripple across the world.🔥 What you’ll discover:🏛️ Government intervention in capitalism — safety net or slippery slope?🔐 Why semiconductors are the new oil of national security🌍 Global consumption and geopolitical realignments in the chip war💰 Taxpayer dollars, bailouts, and Washington’s profit motives⚙️ Rare earth minerals and the next great resource scramble🇩🇪 Germany’s manufacturing challenges and what they reveal about Western industry📉 Government contracts, market distortions, and corporate power🕒 Chapters00:00 – Government Intervention in Capitalism07:55 – The Future of Tech and National Security14:03 – Geopolitical Implications of Chip Production19:17 – The Administration's Profit Motive20:06 – Rare Earth Minerals and National Security23:24 – Germany's Manufacturing Challenges27:37 – Taxpayer Dollars and Corporate Bailouts33:01 – Government Contracts and Market Dynamics👋 Stay in the LoopFull transcript + sources → rethinkingtech.substack.comHosts: Aparna Bhushan | Harinda Katugaha👍 Like • 🔔 Subscribe • 🔄 Share