New Books in Political Science

J. P. Messina, "Private Censorship" (Oxford UP, 2024)

May 1, 2024

Philosophy professor J. P. Messina discusses non-state censorship by social groups, employers, media corporations, and search engines. Examining the implications of private censorship on freedom of expression and communication. Exploring the complexities of censorship, including challenges in framing discussions and the need for nuanced analysis. Delving into cases of private entities censoring speech and the importance of fostering open dialogue in democratic societies.

01:09:36

Episode guests

J. P. Messina

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Private censorship extends beyond state control to include interventions by social groups and media corporations, raising questions about how to address non-state censorship effectively.

Balancing editorial independence in the press with preventing harmful censorship requires upholding journalistic integrity and diversifying funding sources for media outlets.

Scrutiny of social media platforms as public squares highlights the challenge of regulating content moderation practices to address concerns about censorship while preserving platform independence.

Deep dives

Different Types of Moderation and Challenges in Search Algorithm Interpretation

Social media platforms employ both hard sanctions like removing content and softer tools to reduce content reach. This moderation can lead to concerns about censorship. Search engines like Google, with their market dominance, present challenges in interpreting search censorship. Antitrust remedies may not fully address free speech issues in search algorithms, and regulating search algorithms as public utilities raises questions about maintaining quality and avoiding corporate influence.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Non-State Censorship: Private Sensorship and Its Implications

2min

Exploring the Unconventional Path to Philosophy Academia

2min

Navigating the Complexities of Censorship

16min

Exploring the Broad Definition of Censorship and Its Limitations

2min

Navigating the Complexities of Private Censorship

24min

Navigating Editorial Independence and Censorship in Media

17min

Challenges in Regulating Google Search Algorithm and Ensuring Information Accessibility

3min

When we think of censorship, our minds might turn to state agencies exercising power to silence dissent. However, contemporary concerns about censorship arise in contexts where non-state actors suppress expression and communication. There are subtle and not-so-subtle forms of interference that come from social groups, employers, media corporations, and even search engines. Should these “new” forms of censorship alarm us? Should we assess them in ways that mirror our typical views about state-enacted censorship? If not, how should we think about non-state modes of censorship?

In Private Censorship (Oxford University Press, 2024), JP Messina takes up these broad questions. He examines a range of emerging sites of non-state censorship – what he calls “private” censorship – and sorts through the normative, political, and legal issues.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

New Books in Political Science

J. P. Messina, "Private Censorship" (Oxford UP, 2024)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Different Types of Moderation and Challenges in Search Algorithm Interpretation

The Impact of Editors on Press Content and Editorial Censorship

Social Media Platforms as Sites of Private Censorship

Employers' Influence on Employee Speech and Expression

Challenges of Defining Censorship and Addressing Non-State Forms

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts