We live in a new form of colonialism, as demonstrated by the world-renowned researchers Nick Couldry and Ulises A. Mejias, who have established the concept of data colonialism. In the past, colonialism was about the appropriation of natural resources and the exploitation of labor and private property. It pretended to modernize and civilize, but in reality, it was about control. Colonialism has not disappeared; it has taken on a new form. Large technology companies are exploiting our most essential resources – our data. They repackage our information and connections to make a profit, control our views, track our movements, record our conversations, and use them against us.

Nick Couldry and Ulises A. Mejias illustrate how history can help us understand the emerging future of exploitation – and how we can resist it.