Cory Doctorow, author, discusses improving the internet, limiting capitalism. Topics include: disenshittifying the internet, anti-trust laws, unconstrained capitalism in tech, DRM issues on Audible, push notifications as ads, government procurement in tech, capitalism's connection to the free market, decision-making constraints.
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Quick takeaways
Antitrust regulation can help restore competition and hold tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon accountable for their abuse of power.
Enforcing regulations that protect privacy, labor rights, and consumer protection in the tech industry can create a fairer environment for users and employees.
Promoting interoperability and data portability empowers users to switch platforms easily, giving them more control over their own data.
Preventing monopolies from forming through anti-monopoly laws is crucial for maintaining a fair and competitive market that fosters innovation.
Deep dives
The Importance of Antitrust Regulation
Antitrust regulation is crucial in addressing the concentration of power in tech companies. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon have become dominant players with limited competition. This lack of competition allows them to abuse their power and undermine consumer protection and fair trading practices. Antitrust actions can help restore competition and hold these companies accountable.
Regulation for Privacy, Labor, and Consumer Protection
In addition to antitrust measures, it is important to enforce regulations that safeguard privacy, protect labor rights, and ensure consumer protection in the tech industry. This can be achieved by implementing codes of conduct that companies must adhere to, while making it easier for users to leave platforms where they are mistreated. These measures can create a more balanced and fair environment for users and employees.
Interoperability and Data Portability
Promoting interoperability and data portability can empower users to switch between platforms more easily. This includes allowing users to export their data and connections from one platform to another seamlessly. By implementing these measures, users will have more control over their own data and can choose platforms that better align with their needs and values.
Leveraging Existing Tools and Frameworks
There are already existing tools and frameworks that can support these proposed changes. For example, Mastodon's export feature and RSS feed redirection demonstrate how data portability and interoperability can work effectively. By leveraging and expanding upon such tools, regulators can ensure a smoother transition towards a more competitive and user-centric tech industry.
Increased competition and administrative action
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses two important factors shaping the current market landscape. First, there is a noticeable increase in competition, which can be attributed to various factors. This heightened competition has significant implications for businesses operating in the market. Second, there is a discussion around the increase in administrative action, particularly under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorities have the power to enforce rules that prevent unfair and deceptive business practices. These powers have been dormant for quite some time but are now being utilized more frequently, with specific examples mentioned.
The importance of a national privacy regulation
The podcast delves into the absence of a comprehensive federal privacy law in the United States. The speaker emphasizes the need for a broad and applicable privacy regulation that surpasses existing laws targeting specific aspects like children's privacy or health. The discussion highlights the importance of a modern privacy law that can address the challenges posed by advancements in technology, especially in an era where personal data is extensively collected and utilized. Specific examples are mentioned, such as the use of personal data for surveillance purposes and the need for protection through effective privacy regulations.
The impact of monopolies and the need for anti-monopoly laws
The podcast dives into the dangers of monopolistic practices and the consequences of allowing monopolies to form. The speaker explores the challenges faced when trying to regulate or dismantle monopolistic entities once they have established a dominant position in the market. Historical examples such as the actions taken against IBM by the DOJ and the difficulty in curbing their influence due to financial resources and legal battles are discussed. The importance of anti-monopoly laws is emphasized, highlighting how preventing monopolies from forming in the first place is crucial to maintaining a fair and competitive market that fosters innovation and benefits society as a whole.
This week we’re talking with Cory Doctorow (this episode contains explicit language) about how we can get back to that “new good internet.” Cory’s new book The Internet Con offers a lens to this conversation about disenshittifying the internet through anti-trust laws, limits on corporate tweaking, regulating unconstrained capitalism, and all the ways enshittification is enabled. Cory also shares his experience recording his own audio book under the direction of Gabrielle de Cuir at Skyboat Media, and what’s to come from his next Science Fiction book The Lost Cause.
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