Unelected Digital Sovereigns? A Review of The Tech Coup

Abstract

This review of The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley by Marietje Schaake explores the author’s urgent argument that unregulated technology companies pose a grave threat to democratic institutions. Drawing on her experience as a European lawmaker and global tech policy advisor, Schaake critiques the unchecked power of Big Tech firms like Meta, Google, and Amazon, examining how their influence over information, governance, and global markets undermines accountability and democratic norms. The review highlights her call for stronger regulation, public awareness, and civic action, while commending the book’s clarity, authority, and practical roadmap for restoring democratic control in the digital age.