In a concerning development for information democracy, AI systems are increasingly centralizing knowledge control in the hands of tech giants, according to recent warnings from academic experts. As generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini become primary information sources for millions, these systems are effectively creating new gatekeepers of human knowledge - with corporations, not public institutions, holding the keys.
Unlike traditional search engines that direct users to diverse sources, AI chatbots synthesize information internally, often without clear attribution or verification paths. This fundamental shift means users receive processed knowledge rather than accessing primary sources directly. The implications are profound: as AI systems become more embedded in our information ecosystem, Big Tech companies gain unprecedented influence over what constitutes accessible knowledge and how it’s presented to the public.
Experts warn this concentration of informational power threatens to undermine traditional knowledge institutions like universities, libraries, and independent media. With AI systems trained primarily on data that serves corporate interests, there’s growing concern about knowledge gaps, bias reinforcement, and the potential loss of cultural and historical context. As we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, the question becomes whether we can develop governance models that ensure AI knowledge systems serve public interests rather than merely corporate objectives.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-is-handing-control-of-knowledge-to-big-tech-professor-2025-10