Digital technology has changed the daily lives of people across the globe. However, the reality of technological innovation under capitalism is far bleaker than tech-industry evangelists would have us believe.

This panel will discuss the history and definition of automation, the role of technology under capitalism, the capitalist rationale for increased automation, and changes to the workplace for factory workers, office workers, teachers and soldiers.

We will also compare the myths of tech-industry leaders with reality and assess various trends of tech inspired radicalism: free software, 'cypherpunks', Wikileaks, Anonymous and 'hacktivism'.