This Week in Startups Rapid Fire News: FB’s right-wing algo, Tether update, giving Cuba internet, Powell on stable coins & more | E1247
Jul 16, 2021
The episode dives into Facebook's shutdown of CrowdTangle, raising concerns about media transparency and political bias. It discusses the White House's efforts to combat misinformation and explores Florida's plan to provide internet to Cuba. A new $1B fund for creators highlights Facebook's shift towards supporting content creators. Additionally, insights on stablecoins from Jerome Powell shed light on the evolving cryptocurrency landscape and the ongoing regulatory pressures it faces.
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CrowdTangle's Data Dilemma
- Facebook's CrowdTangle, a tool measuring post engagement, shows right-leaning content often dominates.
- This data highlights a potential bias in platform algorithms or user demographics.
The Kevin Roose Incident
- New York Times journalist Kevin Roose created a Twitter handle showcasing CrowdTangle data.
- This action sparked controversy, blurring the lines between journalism and activism.
White House vs. Facebook
- The White House points to 12 sources as responsible for 65% of anti-vaccine misinformation on social media.
- They urge platforms like Facebook to take faster action against harmful posts.