Funding an Universal Basic Income in the Digital Age: autonomy, circularity and non- domination in digital spaces

Digital platforms have become central to contemporary political, economic, and social activities, fundamentally reshaping human communication and interaction (Zuboff, 2019). Activities such as political debate, governmental decision-making, and even warfare now largely depend on the digital world. This shift introduces new norms for human interaction and impacts critical domains like politics, economics, and labor. However, the neutrality often ascribed to digital transformations obscures significant ethical challenges, including (i) behavioral algorithmic biases, (ii) mass surveillance mechanisms, and (iii) inequities in digital relations. This article calls for a re-evaluation of the digital transition through the lens of digital ethics, emphasizing two key principles: promoting human rights by enhancing social welfare and advancing ecological sustainability to prevent environmental catastrophes. By framing technological advancements as opportunities to pursue more equitable and sustainable futures, the article explores how public policies can align with digital innovations. Proposals include frameworks to hold big-tech firms accountable, such as taxation mechanisms and redistributive policies like an Unconditional Basic Income (UBI). UBI, in particular, is presented as one viable policy to face the growing economic disparities, ensuring a fairer distribution of the digital economy’s benefits while promoting ecological balance. A critical aspect of big tech’s success lies in the commodification of user data, often justified by the voluntary nature of participation in digital platforms. However, as digital networks become indispensable, a libertarian view of free choice in data sharing becomes increasingly untenable. This calls for democratic oversight and fair compensation aligned with these companies’ substantial profits. The article advocates for taxation frameworks that channel a portion of these profits into public contributions, recognizing data as an individual and societal resource.

Thiago is a PhD candidate at UMinho and a researcher at CEPS. His main topic of study is currently Unconditional Basic Income and its perspectives on ecological transition. Thiago holds a master’s degree in Political Science (Nova University Lisbon) and a bachelor’s degree in Law (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro). He published the book The Bolsa Família Case: A Path to Unconditional Basic Income, based on his master’s thesis. Thiago was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He moved to Lisbon, Portugal, in 2019 to pursue his postgraduate studies. In 2022, he started his PhD program at UMinho with the research project entitled “The moral, political and ecological value of the UBI: a critical examination of pilot experiences.” His main research interests are Unconditional Basic Income, Post-productivism, Climate Crisis, and Republicanism.