The Times of India Hyderabad|May 28, 2022
Platforms spend much more protecting their assets than protecting their users
Article Reader

Big tech platforms have market caps bigger than the GDP of most countries – that’s known.

Big country governments, let’s call them political states, spend big on defence, typically 3-4% of GDP, to protect citizens and national assets – that’s also known. Big tech platforms, let’s call them economic states, also spend big on security. But there’s a big, big difference – and that’s less known.

Economic states spend heavily on protecting their core assets – hi-tech hardware and key software, cloud systems and intellectual properties. But not so much in protecting their users, who have to contend with awful, dangerous content, harassment, fakes and lies.

Precise data on big tech spending for system security isn’t readily available, in part because this happens via not just direct investments, but also acquisitions and partnerships. But there’s little doubt that they do spend big.

A January 2022 report from CB Insights says “big tech companies…are investing heavily in securing their platforms and building cybersecurity products and services.”

The same report also says over the last 6 years, US big tech players have bought, on an average, 3 cybersecurity solution companies every year. And in the same period, they have invested in as many as 50 cybersecurity outfits.

When it comes to user security on tech platforms, though, the picture couldn’t have been more different.

We illustrate with some examples.

This story is from the May 28, 2022 edition of The Times of India Hyderabad.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 28, 2022 edition of The Times of India Hyderabad.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIA HYDERABADView All
Tollywood was happy hunting turf for conman
The Times of India Hyderabad

Tollywood was happy hunting turf for conman

Kept Database Of Mobile Nos. Of Film Celebs

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
State-funded Metro to chug into RGIA in 3 yrs
The Times of India Hyderabad

State-funded Metro to chug into RGIA in 3 yrs

Residents’ Plea To KTR To Extend Other Rail Lines

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Rajiv Makhni becomes the face of smart tech luggage with proximity indicator
The Times of India Hyderabad

Rajiv Makhni becomes the face of smart tech luggage with proximity indicator

The VIP SmarTech series, a range of smart travel gear, keeps you connected with your luggage via your smartphone

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2022
I want to reach out to Samantha and tell her that if I can make it, so can you, says Vikram Bhatt
The Times of India Hyderabad

I want to reach out to Samantha and tell her that if I can make it, so can you, says Vikram Bhatt

The filmmaker opens up about his 18-year-long battle with fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder that causes widespread muscle pain

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Rain ruins second ODI
The Times of India Hyderabad

Rain ruins second ODI

The match was reduced to 29-overs-a-side as the first interruption caused a four-hour break. India were 22 for no loss in the fifth over at that time.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Croatia come in hard, show Canada the exit
The Times of India Hyderabad

Croatia come in hard, show Canada the exit

After their dour opening draw with Morocco had instigated a post-mortem into whether this Croatia side lacked a killer instinct, Kramaric and Marko Livaja found the net before the break to take the wind out of Canada’s sails.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Denmark calls on Euro 2020, Eriksen experience
The Times of India Hyderabad

Denmark calls on Euro 2020, Eriksen experience

Denmark has been here before.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Ronaldo targets KO berth
The Times of India Hyderabad

Ronaldo targets KO berth

Win Vs Uruguay Will Help Portugal Advance With A Game To Spare

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Govt doubles large aircraft wet lease period to 1 yr
The Times of India Hyderabad

Govt doubles large aircraft wet lease period to 1 yr

Accordingly, IndiGo can now wet lease two twin aisles to operate flights between Delhi/Mumbai and Istanbul for a year.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Deuba's party emerges as single largest party in poll
The Times of India Hyderabad

Deuba's party emerges as single largest party in poll

Elections to the House of Representatives and seven provincial assemblies were held on November 20.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022