Rep. Ro Khanna Calls for New Tech Social Contract to Democratize AI Amid Gilded Age Wealth Concentration
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a compelling address at Stanford University earlier this month, Representative Ro Khanna outlined a vision for a new social contract aimed at reclaiming artificial intelligence from the hands of tech billionaires who, he argues, are consolidating unprecedented control over the U.S. economy, media, and political landscape. Speaking alongside Senator Bernie Sanders to an audience of over 1,600 students, Khanna described the current era as a “new gilded age,” drawing parallels to a time of extreme wealth concentration and social inequality in American history.
Khanna emphasized that the nation is witnessing a level of wealth disparity not seen since the original Gilded Age, citing research by Professor Gabriel Zucman, who found that approximately 19 billionaires now hold $3.4 trillion in wealth — equivalent to 12.5 percent of the entire U.S. gross domestic product. This concentration is nearly three times greater relative to the economy than at the historical peak of wealth inequality. The implications, Khanna warned, are profound: most Americans feel marginalized from shaping their futures, fueling widespread anger and cynicism that threaten social cohesion.
“A nation cannot survive with islands of prosperity and seas of despair,” Khanna said, urging policymakers and citizens alike to confront the outsized influence of tech magnates who, in his view, imagine themselves as heroic conquerors of a bygone era. He argued that this elite control extends beyond economics into the realms of media and politics, distorting democratic processes and limiting equitable participation.
To address these challenges, Khanna proposed seven foundational principles for democratic AI regulation, calling for a framework that ensures technology serves the public interest rather than private monopolies. While the detailed principles were not fully enumerated in his remarks, the overarching goal is to create a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive approach to AI development and deployment.
This initiative aligns with growing national conversations about the role of artificial intelligence in society, including concerns about privacy, fairness, and economic disruption. The Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration have both underscored the importance of balanced AI policies that protect consumers while fostering innovation.
Khanna’s call also resonates with ongoing legislative efforts in Congress to regulate big tech companies more rigorously. The Federal Trade Commission has recently intensified scrutiny of monopolistic practices in the technology sector, aiming to curb the dominance of a few powerful players.
At the Stanford event, Senator Sanders echoed Khanna’s concerns, highlighting the urgent need to address systemic inequality exacerbated by technological advancements. Their joint appearance marked the largest student turnout since President Barack Obama’s 2015 visit to the campus, signaling heightened youth engagement on issues of economic justice and AI governance.
Khanna’s vision for a “tech social contract” calls for a collective reimagining of how technology intersects with democracy, urging that AI development be democratized to prevent further concentration of power. He stressed that without deliberate intervention, the nation risks perpetuating a cycle where a handful of billionaires dictate the trajectory of innovation and societal progress.
As the debate over AI’s future intensifies, Khanna’s proposals contribute a critical perspective on balancing technological growth with democratic accountability. His advocacy underscores the need for policies that empower all Americans to share in the benefits of AI, rather than allowing the technology to deepen existing divides.
For more information on wealth inequality research, visit the Gabriel Zucman research site. To explore federal initiatives on technology and AI regulation, see the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Congressional AI legislation tracker.
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