The Political Scene | The New Yorker Why Banning TikTok Could Violate the First Amendment
8 snips
Jan 1, 2025 Jay Caspian Kang, a staff writer at The New Yorker known for his sharp insights into social media, joins to tackle the ongoing debate over TikTok's potential ban. He argues that social media serves as today's public square, making any regulatory efforts a First Amendment concern. The discussion delves into the balance between protecting children online and preserving civil liberties, as well as how user experiences on TikTok have shifted from cultural excitement to frustrations with political content and privacy issues.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
TikTok Ban and Free Speech
- Jay Caspian Kang argues that banning TikTok violates free speech, even if its use should be questioned.
- He believes social media, even if privately owned, has become the public square.
Right to Receive Information
- The Supreme Court has established the right to receive even propaganda, citing Lamont v. Postmaster General (1965).
- This case involved a socialist receiving Chinese propaganda, highlighting the protected right to information.
Kang's TikTok Experience
- Kang initially enjoyed TikTok's international content, like Indian construction workers and Chinese nature videos.
- Now, he finds it more typical and less interesting, similar to other short-form video platforms.