ARTICLE 19 has joined the Balanced Economy Project, Open Rights Group, and several other digital, human, and consumer rights organisations and campaigners in writing to Andy Burnham as he takes up the role of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom today, 20 July. The letter highlights the dominance of US-based technology firms and their excessive power over the UK economy and digital infrastructure, and urges him to take action to curb this influence.
‘A critical break with the UK’s current relationship with dominant Big Tech and AI monopolies is core to a successful premiership,’ the letter reads. We provide key recommendations, including supporting a firm and independent use of existing enforcement powers to address market concentration and protecting consumer interests; bolstering the UK’s economy, security, and democracy by ending dependency on giant, foreign-owned tech firms; and using public procurement for contracts with companies that offer sustainable, diverse, open alternatives, starting with cutting the National Health Service’s deal with Palantir.