Migrant technopolitics in dispute: activism and tactical uses of digital platforms

Abstract

The article analyzes results of an exploratory empirical study about uses of digital platforms by migrants residing in Spain. To this end, it starts from a theoretical discussion based on the perspective of technopolitics. Based on seven interviews with men and women of different nationalities who recognize themselves as activists, it was possible to identify a set of tactics in uses of digital platforms to promote actions to fight for migrant rights, resulting, in part, from the perception of the incidence of power relations established by algorithmic logics on these platforms. Among the practices observed as a form of resistance, we highlight the combination or adaptation to the use of platforms according to the type of action, search for alternatives in the face of censorship, promotion of campaigns, preference for platforms considered less toxic or safer, network articulation between collectives, as well as mediation between migrant and anti-racist organizations with organizations defending human rights in the context of digital technologies.