AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast
Ep. 202: The backpage.com saga
Dec 21, 2023
Guests Elizabeth Nolan Brown, Robert Corn-Revere, and Ronnie London discuss the Backpage trial—FBI seizure, federal prosecution, and concerns about protected speech and website rights. They also dive into the history of Backpage, the significance of classified ads, the protection of escort ads, content moderation, and federal memos. The podcast explores the implications of the case on free speech, the importance of Section 230, and the impact of federal financial regulators.
01:03:38
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The government used the Backpage case to test their prosecution methods and push for amendments to Section 230, potentially impacting online companies hosting user-generated speech.
- Backpage faced allegations of facilitating prostitution and human trafficking, but there was no evidence to support the trafficking claims, highlighting the company's cooperation with law enforcement.
Deep dives
The Government's Agenda: Testing Prosecution Methods
The government saw the Backpage case as an opportunity to test their prosecution methods and push for amendments to Section 230 or to target other online companies that allow user-generated speech. By framing the case as involving prostitution and sex trafficking, they knew that many people would be reluctant to defend or closely examine the issue. This strategy allowed them to perfect their playbook and extend their prosecutions to companies unrelated to sex. However, the allegations that Backpage facilitated child sex trafficking were proven false, as the company had a track record of cooperating with law enforcement and actively working to combat trafficking.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode