Tim Wu's 'The Age of Extraction' Debuts with Lina Khan Discussion on Tech's Economic Impact

New York, NY – Author and legal scholar Tim Wu launched his new book, "The Age of Extraction," with a highly anticipated discussion featuring former U.S. Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan at the New York Public Library on November 7, 2025. The event, which quickly sold out, centered on Wu's critical examination of how dominant tech platforms shape the global economy and societal well-being. Wu announced the event via social media, stating, > "Lina Khan and I are taking the stage tonight at the New York Public Library 7pm to discuss my new book THE AGE OF EXTRACTION. Sold out but there are some standby tickets and you can livestream here [link]."

"The Age of Extraction" posits that today's leading tech platforms have evolved into powerful instruments for extracting wealth, data, and attention from individuals and businesses alike. Wu argues that this extractive model contributes to widening wealth disparities and threatens future prosperity, challenging the initial promise of widespread economic benefit from the internet. The book explores the historical trajectory of technology's rise and its implications for economic fairness.

Tim Wu, a Julius Silver Professor of Law, Science and Technology at Columbia Law School, is renowned for coining the term "net neutrality" and for his previous works, including "The Master Switch" and "The Attention Merchants." His latest book continues his long-standing critique of corporate power and its influence on public life. Wu served in the White House as special assistant to President Biden for technology and competition policy, further solidifying his expertise in this domain.

Lina Khan's participation in the discussion adds significant weight, given her tenure as Chair of the FTC and her prominent role as a proponent of stricter antitrust enforcement against large technology companies. Khan has previously praised "The Age of Extraction," calling it "remarkably astute and timely" and highlighting its analysis of platform power and roadmap for achieving economic fairness. Her presence underscores the book's relevance to ongoing debates about tech regulation and economic policy.

The public's strong interest in the topic was evident as the New York Public Library event sold out rapidly, though standby tickets were available, and a livestream option allowed broader access. The book, published by Knopf, is positioned as a crucial contribution to understanding the complex relationship between technological advancement and economic inequality. Early reviews describe it as a sharp and eye-opening introduction to "platform capitalism," encouraging readers to recognize and reclaim control from excessively extractive platforms.