Beyond the Headlines: Tech Billionaires, Governance, and the Risks of Private Power
On February 14, 2025, Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies hosted a panel discussion as part of its Beyond the Headlines series, examining the growing role of tech industry leaders in government operations. Moderated by Dean Scott Taylor, the panel featured Dr. Joan Donovan, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media Studies and founder of the Critical Internet Studies Institute; Dr. Michelle Amazeen, Associate Dean of Research and director of the Communication Research Center; and Dr. Quinn Slobodian, Professor of International History.
The discussion addressed concerns about the direct involvement of tech billionaires in governance, a shift from historical patterns of corporate influence. Dean Taylor referenced The Times, which recently described Elon Musk’s interventions in government as “an extraordinary flexing of power by a private individual.”
Dr. Amazeen provided historical context, noting that while figures like Rockefeller and Ford historically shaped policy through lobbying and philanthropy, today’s tech leaders are assuming direct operational roles in governmental functions. She pointed to Section 230 protections for online platforms as a significant factor in this shift, particularly in Musk’s case with X (formerly Twitter).
Dr. Slobodian expanded on this point, arguing that “we are witnessing something fundamentally different.” Unlike traditional corporate influence, which often operated through political donations and advisory roles, figures like Musk are taking executive control over systems that were previously the domain of public institutions.
A key point of discussion was the fragility of government infrastructure. Dr. Donovan highlighted that many agencies continue to rely on outdated programming languages like COBOL, raising concerns about maintenance, security, and oversight. “The infrastructure itself is incredibly fragile,” she noted, emphasizing that undocumented system modifications could have far-reaching consequences. Some agencies, she warned, are already experiencing disruptions in essential functions, including payroll processing.
Dr. Amazeen added that the privatization of key digital platforms means that tech leaders are not just hosting public discourse but actively controlling it. “Platforms like X are no longer just private companies,” she explained. “They are essential infrastructure for modern governance, and yet they remain entirely in the hands of a few individuals.”
Dr. Slobodian provided an international perspective, discussing the risks of private control over strategic infrastructure. He pointed to Musk’s increasing engagement with European governments, particularly Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the potential consequences of Starlink’s military applications. He argued that such developments could undermine European Union efforts to establish its own Iris satellite network and maintain technological sovereignty.
The panel also addressed how governments are responding to these shifts. Dr. Donovan, who serves on the board of Whistleblower Aid, noted that the organization is receiving an increasing number of reports from career civil servants raising concerns about structural changes in government systems.
In concluding remarks, Dr. Donovan framed the broader implications of these trends: “Musk is not interested in us. Musk is interested in a technocratic global order that only he knows how to administrate, only he can fund, and only he has a window into.”
The discussion left a pressing question unanswered: Can democratic institutions adapt quickly enough to counterbalance the growing influence of private power in governance?
The full panel discussion is available on the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies YouTube channel under the title “Politics by Non-Politicians: Elon Musk, Social Media, and the 21st-Century Election Landscape.”