Ep 9: Unmasking Digital Exploitation: Foxglove's Fight for Digital Rights

If I Ruled the World by Gillian Burke

Today, I’m joined by Rosa Curling and Martha Dark from Foxglove, a pioneering digital rights law firm in the UK. Rosa and Martha share their insights into the tech industry's exploitative practices and Foxglove's role in challenging these behaviours to ensure technology serves the greater good.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Mission of Foxglove:
   • Introduction to Foxglove and its commitment to fighting for digital rights and against tech exploitation.
   • The inspiration behind Foxglove's name and its relevance to their mission.
2. Exposing Tech Giants:
   • Discussion on the exploitative practices within the tech industry.
   • Foxglove's legal battles against tech giants and government agencies to protect public interests.
3. Case Study - Palantir and NHS Data:
   • A deep dive into the controversies surrounding Palantir's handling of NHS data.
   • The implications for privacy and public health governance.
4. Advocacy for Content Moderators:
   • Foxglove's efforts to secure better treatment and working conditions for content moderators.
   • The broader impact of these battles on labor rights and workplace ethics.
5. Challenging Tech Dominance:
   • Analysis of the adverse effects of tech monopolies on privacy, democracy, and labor rights.
   • Strategies for dismantling such monopolies and promoting a fairer tech landscape.
6. Call to Action:
   • Encouraging collective efforts among tech workers and the public to regulate big tech.
   • How listeners can support Foxglove and similar initiatives in advocating for corporate responsibility and technological equity.

Conclusion and Engagement: Rosa Curling and Martha Dark offer a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and action in the face of digital exploitation. Join us in supporting their cause and taking a stand for a tech world that benefits everyone. For more information on Foxglove and how you can get involved, visit https://www.foxglove.org.uk/

References and Links

Chris Smalls

Daniel Motaung

Frances Haugen

Mercy Mutemi

Palantir’s own page on their role in healthcare: https://www.palantir.com/uk/healthcare/

And :https://www.cityam.com/us-tech-giant-palantir-rejects-concerns-over-role-in-nhs-data-platform-plans/

And latest article: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/palantir-us-tech-firm-with-lucrative-nhs-contract-sees-ai-sales-soar/ar-BB1hQuS2

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Connect with Foxglove:

• https://www.foxglove.org.uk/

Follow Gillian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/

Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/

Soundscape from a quiet morning in a village in Ungasan, Bali, Indonesia

What would you do if you ruled the world?

If you have any insights or feedback on today’s episode or you have an idea for how the world could be a better place, drop me an email on [e-mail]

A final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen.

Produced by Soundquake

Edited by Jake-Lee Savage