Almost two hundred years ago a Nottinghamshire weaver named Ned Ludd became famous. Despite the fact he never existed he became the name behind which rallied one of these islands' biggest revolutionary movements. What they were opposing would, in modern terms be called 'corporate technology' -- developments in production that were designed, above all, to secure the hold of a tiny elite over society. After the Luddites' violent suppression, the word 'luddite' survived as a term of abuse to label those who were seen as having an irrational, knee-jerk, opposition to change. However, the Luddite rebellion was never an 'anti-technology' revolt, but rather a revolt against developments that were taking away people's control over their own lives.

Recent campaigns against GM crops have brought about a greater public awareness of the political nature of the supposedly neutral science and technology. Political not only in how it might be implemented, but in how it is developed, for what reasons, and by whom. 'Corporate technology' is developed in order to serve the interest of ruling classes, to control and exploit society and natural resources. The early Nineteenth Century mill owners aimed to increase their wealth at the expense of communities. This tradition is continued by the corporate executives and directors of today. The need for resistance also remains with us.

In this edition of Corporate Watch Newsletter we look at several of the latest examples of corporate technology.

• GMOs: Efforts to get GM crops accepted in Europe and America continue. Sue Mayer gives a brief overview of events in 2004.
• Pharmaceuticals: in the race to patent and market new drugs human needs and even basic safety standards are ignored. Max Gastone looks at the backlash in the USA.
• ID Cards: now that governments have the ability to monitor everyone they are eager to use these powers. We look at the corporations that are making this happen.
• Nanotechnology: A new world of corporate control through manipulation at the atomic level? We bring you an activists' guide to what's out there and what may come, including actions against the developing nanotech industries.

Like the Luddites we can say that we might be in favour of new machines and new techniques -- but only if they are in the interests of us all, and under democratic control. Under the current system of corporate rule this seems very unlikely.