In the heart of Philadelphia's City Hall, a gathering of voices echoed the urgent call for change, as community leaders and activists addressed the City Council on May 29, 2025. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose as they rallied behind Council Member Brooks' resolution aimed at breaking up Meta, the tech giant that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Lorenzo P. Cannon Umstead, a representative from the People's Alliance and the Philly Tech Justice Collective, opened the discussion with a powerful plea. He emphasized the dangers posed by surveillance technologies that threaten the privacy and safety of marginalized communities. "At this point in our city's time and place, it is not wise to place the most marginalized residents in harm's way," he stated, urging city leaders to reconsider their relationship with corporations that profit from personal data. Umstead called for a serious examination of the algorithms that govern these technologies, highlighting the need for protective measures against corporate overreach.

Following Umstead, Lehi of Monster House Entertainment shared insights from the entertainment industry, advocating for partnerships rather than handouts. He underscored the wealth of experience present in the room, inviting the city to collaborate with local professionals to enhance Philadelphia's cultural landscape. "We can do it for you. We just need the city to meet us halfway," he said, emphasizing the potential for mutual benefit.

Lynn Landis, representing protocolsfordemocracy.org, raised a critical point regarding the use of social media by elected officials. She questioned why Council Member Brooks utilized platforms like Facebook and Instagram on her official webpage, arguing that public officials should host their content on government websites to ensure accessibility for all constituents. Landis's remarks resonated with those who feel excluded from social media due to various reasons, including political censorship.

Jordan Bedingham, a member of the Philly Tech Council, echoed the call for breaking up Meta, citing its monopolistic control over personal data and its role in spreading misinformation. He pointed out the discriminatory nature of AI technologies used by the city, such as surveillance drones, which disproportionately affect minority communities. "The use of this type of AI is discriminatory and predatory," he asserted, calling for a reevaluation of how technology is deployed in urban spaces.

As the meeting unfolded, it became clear that the discussions were not just about technology but about the very fabric of community safety, privacy, and representation. The voices of those present painted a vivid picture of a city grappling with the implications of corporate power and the need for a more equitable digital landscape. The resolution to break up Meta stands as a pivotal moment, reflecting a growing awareness and resistance against the encroachment of technology on personal freedoms and community integrity.

As the council members listened intently, the future of Philadelphia's relationship with technology and its impact on residents hung in the balance, leaving many to wonder what steps would follow this impassioned plea for change.