Skip to content

What is Big Tech?

When we say Big Tech, we’re talking about a group of companies that dominate the digital world — not just in size, but in influence.
They control the platforms, devices, and services that billions of people rely on every day.

The Usual Suspects: GAFAM

GAFAM is a common shorthand for the five biggest U.S.-based tech giants:

  • Google (Alphabet)
  • Apple
  • Facebook (Meta)
  • Amazon
  • Microsoft

These companies built vast ecosystems — from operating systems to online marketplaces — that make it easy to get in, but hard to leave.

What Makes a Company “Big Tech”?

It’s not just about being big in revenue.
We look at companies and platforms through these lenses:

  1. Massive User Base — Hundreds of millions or even billions of active users worldwide.
  2. Platform Lock-In — Products and services that tie you into an ecosystem, making alternatives harder to use.
  3. Data Dependence — Business models built on collecting, analyzing, and monetizing user data.
  4. Market Power — The ability to influence entire industries, shape regulations, and decide the rules for competitors.
  5. Global Reach — Operations, data centers, and influence across multiple continents.
  6. Gatekeeping Power — The ability to control what people can publish, access, or see.

It Goes Beyond GAFAM

Other companies and platforms can also be part of the “Big Tech” problem:

  • Social Media Giants — TikTok, X (Twitter), Snapchat
  • Streaming & Media Platforms — YouTube, Spotify, Netflix
  • Cloud Infrastructure Monopolies — AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure
  • App Store Gatekeepers — Apple App Store, Google Play Store
  • E-commerce Ecosystems — Alibaba, eBay
  • AI & Data Brokers — OpenAI (Microsoft-backed), Palantir, data aggregation firms

Why This Matters

These companies aren’t inherently “evil” — but their size and control create:

  • Few real choices for users
  • A lack of transparency in how data is used
  • An imbalance of power between individuals and platforms

Recognizing who falls into this category is the first step in deciding if and how you want to reduce your dependence on them.