Europe's Wake-Up Call: Why Technofascism Isn't Just an American Problem

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-27

When you hear the word "technofascism," you might think it's a dystopian buzzword or something that only happens in the US. But according to philosopher Mark Coeckelbergh, it's a real and present danger that Europe can't afford to ignore. In a recent talk, Dario Migliorini unpacked Coeckelbergh's warning: the fusion of Big Tech power, surveillance, and authoritarian politics is creeping into Europe, and if we don't act, we might wake up one day to find it's too late. ### What Exactly Is Technofascism? Coeckelbergh doesn't throw the term around lightly. Technofascism, as he describes it, is the use of technology—especially AI and surveillance tools—to concentrate power, suppress dissent, and erode democratic norms. It's not just about creepy targeted ads; it's about a system where tech giants and governments collude to control information, monitor citizens, and manipulate behavior. Think of it as fascism with a digital upgrade. And here's the kicker: it's not just happening in the US. Europe has its own vulnerabilities. From facial recognition in public spaces to data-hungry platforms, the ingredients are all there. The difference is that Europe has a chance to set a different course—if it acts now. ### Why Europe Can't Just Point Fingers It's tempting to look at the US and think, "Well, that's their mess." But Coeckelbergh argues that's a dangerous mindset. Big Tech is global, and its influence doesn't stop at borders. European startups and consumers are just as entangled in the same ecosystems. Plus, the US is a cautionary tale: what happens when tech regulation lags behind innovation? Democracy suffers. Europe has its own challenges. The EU's GDPR was a step forward, but enforcement is patchy. The AI Act is still being negotiated, and there's pressure from industry to water it down. Meanwhile, surveillance tech is being deployed in cities from London to Warsaw, often with little public debate. > "The question isn't whether we can afford to regulate tech; it's whether we can afford not to." – Mark Coeckelbergh That quote hits hard. It's not about being anti-tech; it's about ensuring tech serves democracy, not the other way around. ### What Can Be Done? Coeckelbergh isn't a doomsayer—he believes Europe can lead the way. But it requires more than just passing laws. Here's what he suggests: - **Strengthen democratic oversight**: Independent bodies with real teeth to audit AI systems and surveillance tools. - **Promote digital literacy**: Citizens need to understand how their data is used and abused. - **Foster European alternatives**: Support homegrown tech that prioritizes privacy and transparency. - **Engage globally**: Work with like-minded countries to set international standards. These aren't just policy wonk ideas; they're practical steps that could make a real difference. ### The Clock Is Ticking Coeckelbergh's warning is a wake-up call. Technofascism isn't a future scenario—it's unfolding now, and Europe is not immune. The good news? Europe has the tools, the talent, and the democratic tradition to push back. But it needs to stop treating this as an American problem and start leading. So next time you hear about AI regulation or data privacy, remember: it's not just about tech. It's about the kind of society we want to live in. And that's something we all have a stake in.