CarrZee: US big tech make around $300 per person from data.

That means lawmakers have room to play with and can place tariffs on data flows to take back control from nefarious influence and propaganda.

$300 per person per year is a lot.

A moratorium, first introduced in 1998, prevents countries from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions such as software, digital media and other online-delivered goods. While it has been renewed regularly —- every two years or so —, the current agreement is set to expire by March 31, 2026, unless WTO members reach a new consensus.

Banning social media does not work. See below.

Massive lawmaking efforts in 200 nations the next three months can repair the dire geopolitical situation caused in part by big tech protectionism buttressed by the moratorium.

Restructured moratorium in some fashion can come back later if that is best for the world’s people … but I doubt that’s wise.

Bloomberg:

India, WTO envoys: take this weekend’s chance to stop war, solve climate crisis and bring back power to the people.

Any extension would be exploited by big tech.

Enough is enough.

President Trump is deeply unpopular and has overplayed his hand.

WaPo:

Here is how Trump’s ‘NATO’ defense rhetoric can be redirected at Silicon Valley

Here’s the clearest “as of today” (March 28–29, 2026) situation from the WTO ministerial in Cameroon:

⚡ Bottom line

No final deal yet But movement toward a short-term extension is emerging The issue is still deadlocked between the U.S. and India

🧭 What changed Saturday (ChatGPT)

1) Possible breakthrough (but not done)

India is signalling openness to extending the moratorium Likely outcome being discussed: ~2-year extension (most realistic) Longer (5–10 years) proposals exist but unlikely 

👉 This is the first real sign of compromise

2) Core fight remains unchanged

U.S., EU, Japan → want permanent moratorium India + some developing countries → oppose permanent version Want ability to tax digital imports Argue loss of revenue & policy space 

👉 This is the central deadlock

3) It’s now a test of WTO relevance

The moratorium expires basically now (end of March 2026) Seen as a litmus test for whether WTO can still function 

4) Workaround happening elsewhere

66 countries just bypassed WTO gridlock to launch a separate digital trade deal That covers ~70% of global trade Shows system is fragmenting if consensus fails 

🧠 What the moratorium actually does (quick reminder)

Bans tariffs on digital transmissions (software, streaming, etc.) In place since 1998, renewed every ~2 years If it expires → countries can start taxing digital flows 

⚠️ What to watch in next 24–48 hours

Whether India formally agrees to a short extension Whether the U.S. accepts temporary instead of permanent Or whether talks collapse → no renewal

⚡ Straight read (no spin)

Most likely outcome: short extension (2 years) Second scenario: last-minute messy compromise Low-probability but big impact: collapse → tariffs on digital trade become possible

I push back on ChatGPT here.