Free Isn’t Always Free: The True Cost of Ad-Driven Services

This event took place on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 4:00 PM UTC.

The “free” model helped create much of the internet we see today, including some amazing innovations. But “free” comes at a price. We pay for it with our attention, and our privacy. Big tech has exploited consumer data, abused market share, taxed small businesses, and stifled competition to remain the most powerful gatekeepers. The only way to break free from the inherent conflict between what is best for us and what generates the most money from advertisers is innovation through competition and alternative models. Venue: Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon J Stephanie Mehta, Sridhar Ramaswamy