HISTORY´S WARNING: THE DANGER OF POWER CONCENTRATION IN THE AGE OF AI

In 1933, German journalist Carl von Ossietzky was arrested for exposing Germany’s secret rearmament. His work was tracked using the Nazi regime’s primitive surveillance system, which monitored newspapers, mail, and radio broadcasts. Fast forward to today, and a single AI system can analyze billions of digital interactions in real-time, identifying “concerning” patterns with unprecedented precision. This leap in technological power reveals a worrying trend: as tools evolve, so does the capacity for control.

The New Gilded Age

The late 19th century was marked by the rise of monopolies led by industrial giants like Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Vanderbilt. These “robber barons” amassed immense wealth by dominating oil, steel, and railroads, leaving workers to toil under harsh conditions for meager pay. Their economic influence extended into politics and media, shaping society to serve their interests.

Today, a similar concentration of power is evident in the tech sector. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta dominate AI, wielding control over digital ecosystems and shaping commerce, communication, and even public thought. Algorithms designed for profit—not public good—predict our behavior, influence elections, and fuel misinformation. Without strong ethical checks, this monopoly risks sidelining the needs of the majority.

Lessons from Nazi Germany

In Nazi Germany, propaganda was a key tool for controlling public perception. The regime manipulated media to spread its ideology, using rhetoric to unite Germans while excluding minorities. The parallels with today are chilling. In 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about immigrants “poisoning the blood of our country” echo divisive language designed to stoke fear and reinforce power. This rhetoric, amplified by digital platforms, normalizes authoritarian tendencies and reshapes societal norms.

Why This Matters Now

As AI technology advances, the tools of control become more subtle and pervasive. Historical patterns show us that concentrated power—whether economic or technological—often leads to oppression and exploitation. To prevent this, we must demand transparency, ethical standards, and accountability in AI development and deployment. The stakes are high: without action, we risk sliding into a new era of economic and informational tyranny.

Let history’s lessons be our guide. The fight for equity, democracy, and freedom in the AI age begins now.

This is just a glimpse of the book I’m writing about how AI, when controlled by individuals driven solely by self-interest and a thirst for power, can become a tool for oppression and control over regular people like you and me. The fight for fairness and freedom in the face of these technological advancements feels increasingly uphill, but it’s not over yet. Please, stay informed and vigilant.

Thanks for reading. Abrazos,

Diego Rojas