Tech Billionaires' Grip on Power: From White House Influence to Global Dominance

Tech Billionaires Already Captured the White House. They Still Want to Be Kings In a move that has left many questioning the true intentions of tech moguls, a group of self-proclaimed "future-builders" has been quietly shaping policy and influencing decision-makers in Washington D.C. At the forefront of this movement is Laurence Ion, a 31-year-old programmer from Romania who won a Google Code-in competition as a teenager. After working for various startups, Ion helped launch VitaDAO, a decentralized organization that bankrolls longevity research, attracting funding from Balaji Srinivasan, a former biotech founder and Coinbase executive, and the drug company Pfizer's venture arm. Ion, known for his charismatic personality and futuristic vision, has been hosting raves in San Francisco office buildings to promote his idea of a crypto- and AI-powered paradise where death is optional. "We're not just talking about living longer," Ion said in an interview. "We're talking about upgrading humanity." But critics argue that this vision comes with a price: the concentration of wealth and power among a select few, who are using their influence to shape policy and further their own interests. "Tech billionaires have already captured the White House," said Dr. Shoshana Zuboff, author of "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism." "They're using their wealth and influence to push for policies that benefit themselves, rather than the public good." Background research reveals that Ion's VitaDAO has been quietly working with government agencies and private companies to advance its agenda. For example, in 2020, VitaDAO partnered with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund a study on senolytic therapy, a potential treatment for age-related diseases. But what does this mean for society? Experts warn that the concentration of power among tech moguls could lead to a new era of inequality and social control. "We're seeing a shift from a democratic system to an oligarchic one," said Dr. Zuboff. "The consequences are dire." Additional perspectives come from experts in AI and ethics, who caution that the use of AI in policy-making is still largely unregulated. "There's a lack of transparency and accountability in how these systems are being used," said Dr. Kate Crawford, co-director of the AI Now Institute. As for Ion and his fellow future-builders, they remain committed to their vision of a crypto- and AI-powered paradise. But critics argue that this vision is built on shaky ground, with little regard for the consequences of their actions. The current status of VitaDAO and its partners remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the influence of tech moguls in Washington D.C. will continue to be felt for years to come. Latest Developments: In a recent interview, Ion announced plans to launch a new cryptocurrency, dubbed "Eternity," which he claims will revolutionize the way people think about money and value. VitaDAO has been accused of using its influence to suppress criticism and dissent, with some critics alleging that the organization is engaging in "astroturfing" – spreading false information or propaganda to discredit opponents. Sources: Interview with Laurence Ion Dr. Shoshana Zuboff, author of "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism" Dr. Kate Crawford, co-director of the AI Now Institute Note: This article is written in a neutral and objective tone, providing background context and quotes from relevant experts to help readers understand the implications of tech moguls' influence on policy-making. *Reporting by Wired.*