International UN High Commissioner Türk warns of tyranny by IT oligarchs
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, is sounding the alarm about the increasing power of IT entrepreneurs. "A handful of unelected technology oligarchs have our data," Türk told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. "And they know how to manipulate us".
03.03.2025, 16:58
SDA
A shift in power is taking place, he said. "Any form of unregulated power can lead to oppression, subjugation and even tyranny," he warned. This is "the script of autocrats", said the Austrian UN diplomat in a speech on the global human rights situation.
Türk did not mention the names of controversial entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk (X) or Mark Zuckerberg (Meta). Musk had generously supported Donald Trump financially during the election campaign. He was given far-reaching powers by the new US president to cut government spending.
Criticism of change of direction in US policy
Türk was also critical of US policy under Trump. He was "deeply concerned about the fundamental change of direction" at home and abroad, said the High Commissioner.
Anti-discrimination measures are now being portrayed as discriminatory, there has been backsliding on gender equality and journalists and civil servants are being intimidated and threatened, said Türk. "Divisive rhetoric is being used to distort, deceive and polarize," he warned.
Without explicitly naming the USA, Türk also criticized the rejection of international institutions and treaties such as the World Health Organization and the Paris climate protection agreement, as well as the massive cuts to development aid. Trump has also signed a decree stating that the United States is withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council. However, it is not currently a member. At most, Washington can decide to no longer participate as an observer and no longer apply for membership.
