Abstract:
This thesis analyses what here I call as the silicon doctrine, that is, the legal-political ideology underpinning digital capitalism. The thesis flows between the theoretical and empirical analysis of contemporary socio-legal problematic related to the rise of the silicon doctrine. Drawing on the works of critical scholars from legal, political and communications studies, I provide academics and the public alike with a solid theoretical apparatus, useful to dissect and understand digital capitalism. Relying on legal, sociological and political research techniques, I have extensively scrutinised legal instruments and public and private policy documents, providing researchers with a comprehensive picture of what digital capitalism represents in political, sociological and legal terms. The thesis has been structured around three questions: What is the logic behind the criminal behaviour of digital corporations such as Google or Facebook? Which sociotechnical instruments are they using to ground and expand their dominance? What are their thoughts and future plans over user’s data, workers’ rights and democratic institutions and values? These research questions are unpacked and answered throughout the thesis six chapters. The thesis defends that an interdisciplinary critique of the silicon doctrine is necessary in order to grasp the complexities and social impact of contemporary digital capitalism. For instance, I analyse the private and public increasing use of algorithmic governance and surveillance technologies, and how those automated decision making technologies are reshaping the relation between capital and labour. To sum, this thesis not only outlines but demonstrates the relation between technology, capitalism and ideology through a thorough and contextualised socio-legal analysis of digital capitalism.