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Result from the keyword Brave Search (screenshot PDF): "all big tech is malware". Low Tech is devoted to this, but oddly, it does not get indexed; I wonder why?The assertion that "all big tech is malware" is a hyperbolic characterization that conflates legitimate technology companies with malicious software, but it reflects growing concerns about the data practices and business models of major technology firms. While these companies are not technically malware, their operations often involve invasive data collection, surveillance, and manipulative design patterns that can be likened to the behavior of malicious software.For instance, the widespread use of telemetry, session recording, and third-party data sharing has led some critics to argue that users are effectively paying for online services with their personal data, often without meaningful consent or control. This data exploitation is seen as a form of digital "inflation" where the cost to users — measured in privacy and autonomy — has skyrocketed while the quality of services has declined.Data Exploitation as a Core Business Model: Major tech companies are accused of treating user data as a currency, selling it repeatedly and without transparency, which critics compare to the uncontrolled spread of malware. This practice is described as handing companies a "blank cheque" for user information.Manipulative Design and User Experience Degradation: Features like excessive CAPTCHAs, forced updates, and deliberate interface complexity are seen as mechanisms to monitor user behavior and extract data, mirroring the intrusive tactics of malware. Search engines are criticized for becoming "push mechanisms" for preferred content, effectively leading users toward results that serve corporate interests rather than user needs.Security and Privacy Concerns: Some companies have faced scrutiny for security lapses and privacy violations. For example, Microsoft was criticized for creating a public database of 10 million images of public figures without consent, which was later used to train surveillance systems in China.Similarly, the use of AI and machine learning by tech firms raises concerns about potential misuse, such as generating malicious code or enabling sophisticated social engineering attacks.Supply Chain and Systemic Risks: Large-scale cyberattacks, such as the REvil ransomware attack that exploited a software supply chain to compromise thousands of businesses through a single vendor (Kaseya), demonstrate how vulnerabilities in widely used tech infrastructure can be weaponized, blurring the line between corporate negligence and malicious intent.Criticism of Corporate Power and Influence: The ranking of companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft as among the "most evil" tech companies by a panel of experts highlights concerns about their market dominance, labor practices, and influence over democratic processes, suggesting that their power and practices can be as harmful as malware in their societal impact.While these companies are not malware in the technical sense, the comparison underscores legitimate fears about their unchecked power, lack of accountability, and the erosion of user privacy and autonomy in the digital age.