The current wave of rapid tech change, driven by artificial intelligence, the ascent of web 3, and the metaverse, brings enormous possibilities alongside notable risks. Telefónica’s president, José María Álvarez-Pallete, outlined six core concerns in a recent address, stressing that digital transformation can widen social gaps if not guided with care.
According to Álvarez-Pallete, the most urgent challenge facing society is growing inequality. He warns that a pronounced divide could fuel broad dissatisfaction, especially as technology increasingly shapes how people think and behave. This warning comes at a moment when innovation spreads swiftly and public life becomes deeply entwined with digital tools.
Álvarez-Pallete emphasized that misinformation is not a random problem. He argued that while fake news is not new, modern technology makes it easier to produce not only false information but also counterfeit personas. This dynamic makes truth harder to discern and threatens public trust. His remarks were delivered at the XXI Annual Congress of the Spanish Confederation of Executives and Top Managers in Bilbao, where he highlighted how easily public opinion can be steered today.
He noted that the cost and speed of influencing opinions have fallen, increasing the risk of manipulation. In his view, technology can accelerate disinformation, shrinking spaces for informed debate and responsible discourse. The concern goes beyond content alone; it targets the integrity of the information ecosystem that underpins decision making at every level of society.
Another recurring theme in the evolution of technology, he argued, is that those lacking access to new tools and training risk being left behind. Without safeguards, the digital revolution could widen the gap between social groups. He urged organizations to prioritize retraining and ongoing skills development as a central response to this threat, insisting that inequality is less likely to be solved by subsidies and more by continuous education and upskilling.
Álvarez-Pallete called for a refreshed regulatory framework that defends rights in both digital and real-world contexts. He advocated for a modern social contract that clearly defines the rights and duties of humans and machines within an increasingly global, digitized environment. The aim is to keep human agency at the center, ensuring technology serves people rather than dictates outcomes. He closed by reminding audiences that technology should be guided by human values, not the other way around. (Citation: Telefónica)