Digital Colonialism and Infrastructure-as-Debt

Abstract

This Article takes a look at the issue of digital colonialism in South Africa. First, it provides a snapshot of the global situation, characterized by the dominance of US empire. Second, it provides a snapshot of digital colonialism in South Africa. This includes a breakdown of how foreign corporations dominate some industries, products, and services, as well as how they invest in infrastructure to capture market share for long-term dominance – what we can call infrastructure-as-debt. Third, it looks at the concept of tech hegemony – neomissionary doctrines pushed through proponents of the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution and the reformist orientation of the US “techlash”. Finally, it outlines the broad contours of a “People’s Tech for People’s Power” agenda and a socialist Digital Tech Deal required to see it through.