Libertarian economist Bryan Caplan on 'Freedom, Populism and Big Tech'

St. Olaf College hosted a series of speakers this spring focused on the broad theme of "America After Trump." Bryan Caplan is a libertarian economist at George Mason University, and he was asked to speak about “Freedom, Populism and Big Tech.”

Should there be limits to corporate power wielded by the technology businesses? Are they places of public accommodation or public utilities that should be subject to some government regulation?

Caplan says he is “unhappier with government power than with business power,” particularly when it comes to the media.

There is an often cited populist critique of elitist big tech corporate tyranny. Caplan points out that criticism of big tech companies, especially social media companies, is coming from both the right and the left.

Bryan Caplan is the author of several best-selling books including "The Myth of the Rational Voter” and “Open Borders.” He’s working on a new book to be titled, “Poverty: Who is to Blame?”

The event was moderated in April by Edmund Santurri, the Morrison Family Director of the Institute for Freedom and Community at St. Olaf College.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.