When Technology Threatens the Old Guard: Should Innovation Be Legislated Away?

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Rapido has recently discontinued its two-wheeler ride services in Bangalore, leading to significant disruption for daily commuters who relied on the platform for affordable and quick transportation. The move has sparked considerable backlash from users across the city, with many taking to social media to express frustration and demand clarity from the company and government.

When the fax machine emerged in the 1980s, it posed a real threat to overnight delivery services like FedEx. But instead of lobbying to ban or regulate it, FedEx adapted and thrived. This is the natural path of innovation—new tools disrupt old models, and businesses evolve accordingly.

📌Unfortunately, not all industries have embraced this mindset. In response to the internet and digital access, several traditional players in entertainment and publishing pushed for laws that criminalized sharing and restricted technological advancement. Rather than innovate, they sought protection through regulation.

Contrast this with sectors that chose resilience over resistance. Office supply firms didn’t ask to outlaw PDFs. Ride-hailing platforms fought legal battles but didn’t aim to dismantle app ecosystems. The difference lies in the willingness to adapt, not obstruct.

📌The internet has not destroyed industries—it has challenged them to rethink, reimagine, and rebuild. Independent musicians, small publishers, D2C brands, and open-source developers have all flourished by embracing new tools and audiences.

📌Criminalizing innovation is a short-sighted strategy. It reduces opportunity, stifles experimentation, and places control in the hands of legacy players resistant to change. Public policy must support progress, not protect outdated monopolies.

📌Instead of lobbying to restrict technology, industries should:
▪Innovate user experiences
▪Offer flexible models (like subscription pricing)
▪Build communities (as seen with Patreon or Substack)
▪Embrace new distribution (like hybrid or direct-to-consumer models)

The question is no longer whether disruption will happen—it’s whether we choose to resist it or rise with it.

TO READ MORE, VISIT IN COMMENTS
When Technology Threatens the Old Guard: Should Innovation Be Legislated Away?

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