Michael Toscano: Will Trump conquer the Big Tech oligarchs?
Feb 5, 2025
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Michael Toscano, the Executive Director of the Institute for Family Studies, dives into the intertwining of conservative politics and Big Tech. He discusses Trump's resurgence with Silicon Valley support and how conservatives should navigate tech regulation. Toscano emphasizes a moral framework for technology that prioritizes human well-being. He also explores key initiatives like age verification and the ethical challenges posed by AI and deepfakes, advocating for a balanced relationship between family dynamics and technological advancements.
The podcast highlights the urgent need for a moral framework in tech policy to protect family values and societal stability.
Toscano discusses the shifting conservative perspective on big tech, emphasizing the need for government oversight to prevent harmful exploitation.
Deep dives
The Impact of Technology on Human Flourishing
Concerns about the influence of technology on society have spurred a reexamination of the relationship between technological advancements and human well-being. A group of conservative thinkers argues that while technology can empower individuals, unchecked advancements can threaten family structures and social stability. They stress the urgency of establishing a moral framework for tech policy to ensure it aligns with human flourishing and family empowerment. Their approach emphasizes that government oversight is essential to prevent harmful technological exploitation that undermines society.
Reassessing Conservative Alliances in Tech Policy
The dynamics between conservative politics and big tech have shifted significantly, prompting conservative leaders to question their stance on corporate power and antitrust policies. These discussions reflect deep-seated anxieties about the cultural and economic impacts of technology on society, especially concerning children. The objective now is to build a coalition that acknowledges the pervasive influence of technology while asserting family values as fundamental to their agenda. This requires a nuanced approach that forges common ground among diverse interests within the political landscape.
Technology as a Tool for Family Empowerment
Emphasizing the importance of the family unit, advocates propose that technology should primarily serve to enhance and empower familial relationships. By prioritizing child safety and wellness in tech discourse, they aim to create a foundation for broader reforms that can improve the mental well-being of individuals across society. Recent developments, such as new parental controls introduced by tech companies in response to mounting pressure, exemplify the potential for positive change when technology is guided by ethical considerations. This vision promotes collaboration between political entities and tech innovators to align advancement with the values that support societal health.
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Emily is joined by Michael Toscano, co-author of a major new letter that seeks to outline a moral framework for technologists and policy makers. As Trump returns to Washington with support from Silicon Valley, Toscano explains how conservatives should approach support for and regulation of Big Tech.