In recent weeks, we’ve seen two significant events that reflect a broader challenge for technology innovators: the suspension in Brazil of Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) and the arrest of Telegram’s CEO in France, each for refusing to cooperate with governments in curbing their platform’s activity.
Disruption breeds resistance. As the saying goes, “First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. And then you win.” This cycle has played out repeatedly in the history of innovation, from the rise of the internet to the emergence of blockchain technology and increasingly with artificial intelligence.
The opponents of these technologies may have legitimate concerns. But oftentimes regulatory pushback, public criticism and legal battles are evidence of progress, not failure.