Digital Imperialism and Global Inequality: An Analysis of Selected Technological Corporations (Facebook, Cambridge Analytical, Bell Pottinger, Tiktok)

Abstract

This study examined digital imperialism and its contribution to global inequality, focusing on the activities of Facebook, Cambridge Analytica, Bell Pottinger, and TikTok in Nigeria. It explored how these corporations influence politics, culture, and the economy through data exploitation, algorithmic control, and platform monopolies. The qualitative approach and the purposive sampling technique were used to conduct interviews with thirty participants, comprising cybersecurity/IT experts and officials of the electoral agencies. Dependency and Post- colonial theory were adopted. The thematic analysis revealed that digital imperialism undermines sovereignty, distorts democratic processes, fosters economic dependency, and promotes cultural homogenization. Weak regulation, low digital literacy, and reliance on foreign-owned infrastructure heighten vulnerability to digital imperialism in the Global South. The study recommends that Sections 41 and 44 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act should be amended to expand the duties of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, beyond regulatory compliance, to include oversight over data domiciliation and sovereignty-related risks. Keywords: Data Colonialism, Digital Imperialism, Facebook, Global Inequality, Global South, Tiktok