Allende vs. Big Tech: The Santiago Boys

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As the world ponders what to do about the rising power of Big Tech, the pioneering experience of Salvador Allende’s Chile merits urgent examination. Not only did his Popular Unity government confront ITT, the much-feared tech giant of the day, but they also ventured to build their own digital system for managing the Chilean economy.

Called Project Cybersyn, it serves as one of the few examples of progressive governments pursuing constructive technology policy that goes beyond mere regulation of existing platforms. Yet, this initiative wasn’t without its critics—including those who accused it of reinforcing hierarchies and even aligning with a Big Brother agenda. What relevance does Cybersyn have in today’s digital world?

This event will feature a discussion with Evgeny Morozov, who has recently released The Santiago Boys, a nine-part podcast about Allende’s tech adventures.