Decoder with Nilay Patel Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig on why AI and social media are causing a free speech crisis for the internet
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Oct 24, 2023 
In this discussion, Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig, an expert on internet policy, dives into the conundrum of free speech amidst the chaos of AI and social media. He highlights the overwhelming presence of misinformation and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to safeguard democracy. The conversation uncovers the tensions between First Amendment rights and the regulation of harmful content, as well as the implications of engagement-driven algorithms. Lessig also sheds light on copyright challenges posed by generative AI, advocating for fair artist compensation in the digital age.
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Hidden AI Influence
- Social media users are often unaware of algorithms influencing their feeds.
- These algorithms prioritize engagement, potentially at the expense of users' well-being.
TikTok Contrast
- The Chinese version of TikTok promotes aspirational content, like becoming an astronaut.
- American TikTok, however, is largely unregulated and often focuses on influencer culture.
Foreign Influence Vulnerability
- Foreign influence via social media presents a significant vulnerability for democracies.
- The First Amendment poses challenges to regulating this influence effectively.