Decoder with Nilay Patel

Recode Decode: Facebook’s former security boss Alex Stamos and Twitter co-founder Ev Williams (Live)

May 24, 2019

In a lively discussion, Alex Stamos, former Chief Security Officer at Facebook, shares insights on the platform’s misunderstood role in democracy, advocating for regulatory changes and accountability measures. He critiques corporate policies and proposes shifts in compensation to prioritize societal benefits. Ev Williams, co-founder of Twitter, reflects on his exit from the board, shares his thoughts on media evolution, and highlights the investment landscape's lack of diversity. They both explore the complexities and responsibilities of social media in connecting and impacting society.

49:51

Episode guests

Evan Williams

Alex Stamos

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Navigating Facebook's Role in Modern Democracy

11min

Navigating Disruption and Finding Innovative Hydration Solutions

2min

Navigating Privacy and Leadership Challenges

9min

Transition from Security Insights to New Ventures

2min

Reimagining Social Media and Impact Investing

12min

The Future of Media and AI Innovation

9min

Social Media as Modern Reality Television

2min

Alex Stamos, the former Chief Security Officer at Facebook, and Ev Williams, the co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Medium, talk with Recode's Kara Swisher in these live interviews from the 2019 Collision conference in Toronto, Canada.

In the Stamos interview: Is Facebook misunderstood?; Stamos’ proposed solutions; legitimate candidates vs. the Russians; how to protect ourselves from all election attackers; the weaponization of Facebook’s products; America’s reluctance to regulate; breaking up Facebook and Google; why big companies need to stop rewarding employees with stock; Stamos’ recommendations for Mark Zuckerberg; and is Facebook actually committed to change?

And in the Williams interview: Why he left the board of Twitter; where social media is right now; why his venture firm Obvious Ventures doesn’t invest in social; its investment in Beyond Meat; Williams’ theories of venture investing; the lack of diversity in what companies get venture funding; how techlash has changed Silicon Valley; the many iterations of Medium; would Williams buy established media companies?; and is he worried about the media?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

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