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The Washington Postdeniesbothof these claims.

These companies profits are derived from a new economic order that Harvard Professor Shoshana Zuboff has dubbed surveillance capitalism.

Elon Musk and other modern oligarchs can not only sway the public – they can exploit their data, too

Similar to the gambling industry,reportshave found that thesetechniquesare used with little regard for usersmental health.

A free speech enthusiast?

In this context, Musk is not simply a modern version of a 19th century oligarch.

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His power goes beyond shaping public discourse with narrowly framed stories and the removal of select content.

Yes, he may be able to do this.

But in addition, he will have a vast amount of personal data under his discretion.

The Conversation

Musk has said his purchase of Twitter is motivated by his support offree speech.

But this runs counter to hisreputation for actively seeking revengeagainst those who criticize his businesses.

Furthermore, under hisleadershipTesla has maintained contracts that prevented former employees from criticizing the company.

The era of surveillance capitalism has created new opportunities for billionaires to influence the electorate.