Why Google, Apple & Big Tech Keep Making Everything Worse | Cory Doctorow and Trevor Noah

This week, Trevor and Eugene sit down with science fiction author and tech activist Cory Doctorow to unpack the concept of "enshittification"—the theory that explains the decay of the modern internet and why massive monopolies are deliberately making our tech worse. From Google tanking its own search results to digital stores clawing back video games you just paid for, Cory exposes how predatory corporate tactics make the average consumer suffer. But it’s not all a capitalist horror show; Cory leaves us with a genuine message of hope, breaking down the massive, unprecedented global coalition that is finally fighting back. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the channel here: http://bit.ly/SubscribeTrevorNoah Or follow the podcast on your other favorite platforms... SiriusXM Apple Podcasts - https://bit.ly/WhatNowOnApplePodcasts Spotify - https://bit.ly/WhatNowOnSpotify 00:00 - Elon Musk called Cory Doctorow "a scourge on humanity" 02:00 - What is "enshittification"? 17:00 - Why you don't really own your digital purchases 22:00 - Did Google intentionally make Search worse? 34:00 - Apple's 30% App Store tax 42:00 - Why competition matters 58:00 - Can consumers actually fight back? 1:14:00 - Seeds, farming and corporate control 1:31:00 - Monopoly isn't just a board game 1:40:00 - Is there any reason for hope?

Trevor NoahhostCory DoctorowguestEugenehost

Jul 9, 20261h 52mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: July 9, 2026
Duration: 1h 52m
Channel: What Now? With Trevor Noah
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

This week, Trevor and Eugene sit down with science fiction author and tech activist Cory Doctorow to unpack the concept of "enshittification"—the theory that explains the decay of the modern internet and why massive monopolies are deliberately making our tech worse. From Google tanking its own search results to digital stores clawing back video games you just paid for, Cory exposes how predatory corporate tactics make the average consumer suffer. But it’s not all a capitalist horror show; Cory leaves us with a genuine message of hope, breaking down the massive, unprecedented global coalition that is finally fighting back. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the channel here: http://bit.ly/SubscribeTrevorNoah Or follow the podcast on your other favorite platforms... SiriusXM Apple Podcasts - https://bit.ly/WhatNowOnApplePodcasts Spotify - https://bit.ly/WhatNowOnSpotify 00:00 - Elon Musk called Cory Doctorow "a scourge on humanity" 02:00 - What is "enshittification"? 17:00 - Why you don't really own your digital purchases 22:00 - Did Google intentionally make Search worse? 34:00 - Apple's 30% App Store tax 42:00 - Why competition matters 58:00 - Can consumers actually fight back? 1:14:00 - Seeds, farming and corporate control 1:31:00 - Monopoly isn't just a board game 1:40:00 - Is there any reason for hope?

SPEAKERS

Trevor Noah
host
Comedian and presenter; host of “What Now? With Trevor Noah”.
Cory Doctorow
guest
Science fiction novelist and digital-rights activist associated with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).
Eugene
host
Co-host on “What Now? With Trevor Noah” (supporting interviewer/reactor).

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of What Now? With Trevor Noah, featuring Trevor Noah and Cory Doctorow, Why Google, Apple & Big Tech Keep Making Everything Worse | Cory Doctorow and Trevor Noah explores enshittification: how monopolies, DRM, and policy choices degrade everything Doctorow defines “enshittification” as a predictable lifecycle where dominant platforms and firms worsen products and terms once competition and user exit are constrained.

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