Big Technology Podcast Bonus: India vs. Twitter, with Pranav Dixit of BuzzFeed News
Feb 13, 2021
Pranav Dixit, a BuzzFeed News reporter based in India, discusses alarming threats from the Modi government against Twitter, demanding the blocking of around 250 accounts. He delves into the implications for free speech and the escalating tensions between social media and government control. Dixit highlights Twitter's pushback against censorship and reflects on how this situation impacts global social media dynamics. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in mobilizing protests and the importance of thoughtful journalism in politically charged environments.
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Modi's Rise and Ideology
- Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, is a divisive figure promoting Hindu nationalism.
- Critics argue his policies threaten India's secular, multicultural society.
Agricultural Deregulation
- India's government is deregulating agriculture, aiming to open the sector to private companies.
- Farmers fear this will squeeze them out, eliminating the minimum payment guarantee from government middlemen.
Deregulation and Tech Giants
- Modi's deregulation aims to foster Indian-grown tech giants, promoting "Make in India" and "self-reliant India."
- He wants India to produce its own tech giants, like the next Satya Nadella or Sundar Pichai.