By Dr. Soha Maad
INTRODUCTION
The alignment of Meta Big Tech with MAGA, Donald Trump Make America Great Again policy, entails potentials and threats to the global Big Tech industry and the Arab world. Moreover, the Davos 2025 World Economic Forum raised concerns about risks from Big Techs.
This article considers the Big Tech policies and threats. Meta alignment with MAGA is analysed and its impact on the global tech industry is assessed. The article concludes with a brief overview of Big Techs horizon in the Arab world and a roadmap for Arab countries to support and develop Big Techs.
BIG TECH POLICIES
Big Tech policies are regulations and guidelines designed to address the influence and operations of large technology companies. These policies aim to tackle issues such as competition, data privacy, content moderation, and market dominance. Big Tech policies include policies for promoting fair competition and preventing monopolistic practices, regulations to protect user data and ensure transparency in how data is collected, used, and shared, guidelines for managing harmful or misleading content on platforms to protect users and maintain a healthy digital environment, measures to promote innovation and competition, and policies to reduce risks to the broader economy.
Different regions, such as the European Union, the United States, and China, have developed their own regulatory initiatives to support and control Big Techs.
BIG TECH THREAT RAISED AT DAVOS 2025
At the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, the focus was on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing complexities of cyberattacks. AI was hailed as a critical enabler of growth and efficiency, but also recognized as a double-edged sword due to its potential misuse. Leaders discussed the need for robust AI governance to prevent misuse. The discussions highlighted the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, with AI being used to automate attacks and create deepfakes. Organizations were urged to prioritize proactive AI security strategies. The UN’s Global Digital Compact was mentioned as a framework for global governance of digital technology and AI. Overall, the discussions at Davos 2025 underscored the urgent need for collaboration and proactive measures to address the threats posed by Big Tech and AI.
META NEW POLICIES
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has recently made several significant policy changes. It has decided to discontinue its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, citing changes in the legal and policy landscape. This move has raised concerns about the potential impact on workplace culture and employee experiences. Meta has also ended its third-party fact-checking partnerships and relaxed content moderation policies around political discourse. This change has sparked worries about the spread of misinformation.
Meta is implementing performance-based job cuts and has plans to use a community notes system similar to Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) for content moderation. These changes have led to mixed reactions among employees and users, with some expressing concern about the company’s direction and its commitment to diversity and accurate content.
META ALIGNMENT WITH MAGA
MAGA “Make America Great Again” is the United States (US) President Donald Trump policy. It reflects a political movement advocating for policies aimed at restoring what supporters believe was the United States’ former greatness. This often includes calls for stricter immigration controls, economic protectionism, and a return to traditional American values. The MAGA movement has been associated with a strong sense of nationalism.
Meta, under the leadership of Mark Zuckerberg, has recently made several moves that align more closely with Donald Trump MAGA (Make America Great Again) policy. Meta has relaxed its content moderation policies, particularly around political discourse, aligning with MAGA’s emphasis on free speech over fact-checking. It has appointed prominent Republicans to key positions signaling a shift towards more conservative leadership. Meta has also taken public stands on issues important to the MAGA base, such as rolling back DEI programs and criticizing perceived censorship by the Biden administration.
Meta has strategically announced these changes through media outlets favoured by the MAGA base, including Fox News and Joe Rogan’s podcast. These changes have been met with mixed reactions, with some praising Meta for upholding free speech and others expressing concern about the potential spread of misinformation and the impact on workplace diversity.
META MAGA potential
Meta’s alignment with MAGA values can potentially bring several benefits to the company. By aligning with MAGA values, Meta has managed to improve its relationship with key political figures, including US President Donald Trump. This helps Meta navigate the political landscape more effectively. The relaxation of content moderation policies may lead to increased user engagement on Meta’s platforms, as users feel they have more freedom to express their opinions.
By positioning itself as a champion of free speech, Meta has differentiated itself from other tech companies, potentially attracting users who feel their voices are being suppressed elsewhere. These benefits may potentially help Meta strengthen its position in the tech industry and maintain its relevance in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
META MAGA THREAT TO BIG TECH WORLDWIDE
Meta’s alignment with MAGA values has raised concerns about its potential impact on the broader tech industry and global digital landscape. Meta’s decision to relax content moderation policies and end fact-checking programs could lead to an increase in misinformation and harmful content on its platforms. This move might pressure other tech companies to follow suit, potentially undermining efforts to combat disinformation globally. Meta’s significant market power and user base mean that its policies can set trends for other companies. If Meta’s MAGA-aligned policies prove successful, other tech giants might adopt similar stances to remain competitive, further polarizing the digital space. Meta’s global reach means that its policies can influence digital norms and behaviours worldwide. This could lead to a shift in how information is shared and consumed, with potential implications for democracy and public discourse in various countries. Meta’s pivot might complicate regulatory efforts aimed at curbing Big Tech’s influence. Governments and regulatory bodies may find it harder to enforce rules and standards if major tech companies adopt divergent policies.
Meta’s MAGA alignment could have far-reaching consequences for the tech industry and digital ecosystems worldwide.
META MAGA ALIGNMENT IMPACT ON ARAB WORLD
Meta’s alignment with MAGA values has notable impact on the Arab world, particularly in terms of content moderation and freedom of expression. Meta has faced criticism for its censorship policies, particularly regarding content related to the Middle East. Meta’s policies have been accused of disproportionately affecting war news sources and influencers. The Oversight Board, which reviews Meta’s content policies, has urged the company to adopt a more nuanced approach to moderation. Meta’s policies sparked debates about the balance between free speech and content moderation, with concerns about the potential marginalization of certain groups.
The HORIZON OF BIG TECHs IN THE ARAB WORLD
The development of Big Tech in the Arab world is rapidly evolving, driven by significant investments and strategic initiatives.
Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of digital transformation, with ambitious plans to become one of the most technologically advanced nations. The country has committed to investing 2.5% of its GDP into research, development, and innovation by 2040. Projects like the Saudi Vision Cable and the establishment of the Center3 Company are pivotal to this vision. Saudi Arabia is leveraging technology to address its healthcare challenges. Initiatives include establishing national centers for medical technology assessment, health information systems, and virtual training for medical staff. Investments in telemedicine and AI are aimed at improving healthcare outcomes, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes.
Across the Arab region, digital transformation has seen a significant boost. The online population has grown from 28.8% in 2012 to 70.3% in 2022. Governments are recognizing the urgency of adopting digital technologies, leading to fundamental changes in societal dynamics and institutional frameworks.
Digital technologies in the Arab world are seen as crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP’s “Digital for Sustainable Development” initiative aims to drive policy reform, research and development, and promote digital literacy and inclusion.
Despite the progress in digital transformation in Arab countries, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the digital divide. About 30% of the population in the Arab region remains offline, highlighting the need for continued efforts to ensure digital inclusion.
The Arab world is making strides towards a high-tech future, with significant investments and strategic initiatives driving this transformation.
ROADMAP FOR ARAB COUNTRIES TO SUPPORT AND DEVELOP BIG TECHS
Arab countries should support and develop their own Big Techs. The roadmap to achieve this involves a combination of strategic investments, fostering innovation, and ensuring a favourable regulatory environment.
- Investing in Innovation: Encouraging and funding research and development to drive technological advancements. This includes investing in AI, machine learning, and other cutting-edge technologies.
- Fostering a Culture of Innovation: Creating an environment that promotes creativity and experimentation. This involves establishing a culture where failure is seen as a learning opportunity.
- Building Strategic Partnerships: Forming alliances with Big Tech companies, academic institutions, and research organizations to share knowledge, resources, and expertise.
- Leveraging Data-Driven Decision-Making: Utilizing data analytics to inform business decisions, improve operational efficiency, and personalize customer experiences.
- Adapting to Regulatory Changes: Complying with new laws and regulations and developing new laws governing Arab Big Techs.
By adopting these strategies, Arab Big Techs can grow, innovate, and maintain their competitive edge in the global market.
