Epic Games Wins Against Google, COP 28, and Guest Naomi Alderman
Dec 15, 2023
auto_awesome
Naomi Alderman, bestselling author and video game designer known for her novel 'The Future,' joins the conversation. They discuss Epic Games' landmark victory over Google regarding antitrust laws, exploring its implications for app developers. The recent COP28 climate summit is also tackled, focusing on the global pact to reduce fossil fuel reliance. Alderman highlights themes from her new book, prompting a thought-provoking discussion on ethics in tech and the power dynamics within the industry.
Naomi Alderman's novel, 'The Future,' explores the power and influence of tech billionaires in a world facing a climate apocalypse.
Google faced a major blow in an antitrust case as a jury ruled that the company violated antitrust laws with its Android App Store and in-app billing system.
The podcast emphasizes the urgency of addressing the information crisis we are currently experiencing.
Deep dives
The Future: A Novel of Tech Billionaires and the Apocalypse
In Naomi Alderman's novel, 'The Future,' she explores a world where tech billionaires prepare for the impending climate apocalypse. The story revolves around three tech billionaires who receive notifications from their predictive software, alerting them of the upcoming catastrophe. As they try to escape to their survival bunkers, a group of misfits works to stop them. The novel delves into themes of power, the impact of technology, and the moral implications of the tech industry. Alderman's book offers a satirical and thought-provoking look at the influence of tech billionaires and the consequences of their actions.
Antitrust Case Against Google and Epic Games Ruling
Google faced a major blow in an antitrust case as a jury ruled that the company violated antitrust laws with its Android App Store and in-app billing system. The verdict was reached after a four-week trial. Google may be forced to allow other companies to have competing app stores on Android devices and developers could potentially charge users without giving a cut to Google. The ruling could have significant implications for Google's app store and its business as it faces other antitrust cases. The Epic Games ruling could embolden judges to rule against tech companies on antitrust issues.
The Power and Influence of Tech Billionaires
Naomi Alderman's novel, 'The Future,' explores the power and influence of tech billionaires in a world facing a climate apocalypse. The book takes inspiration from real-world events and news stories about tech billionaires preparing for possible doomsday scenarios. It delves into their mindset, their relationship with power, and the moral implications of their actions. By satirically examining this phenomenon, Alderman highlights the need for critical reflection and discussion around the role of tech billionaires in shaping our world.
Tech Billionaires and the Moral Dilemmas of their Actions
Naomi Alderman's novel, 'The Future,' highlights the moral dilemmas surrounding the actions of tech billionaires. It explores the power dynamics and questionable behavior of these individuals as they navigate the impending climate apocalypse. The book raises questions about the responsibility and consequences of their actions, as well as the role of power and influence in shaping the future of society. By satirically examining these themes, Alderman prompts readers to consider the ethics of those with immense wealth and influence.
Tech billionaires' lack of principles and values
The podcast episode explores the question of why tech billionaires seem to lack concern for the commonwealth or exhibit certain neuroses. The speaker suggests that this behavior may arise from a combination of factors, such as the absence of term limits and checks and balances, the relentless idolization of innovators, and the influence of those seeking to exploit their power. The absence of guiding principles beyond shareholder value and individual choice also contributes to their behavior. The podcast highlights the need for society to establish guardrails and oversight to prevent the abuses of power often observed in the tech industry.
The importance of addressing the information crisis
The podcast emphasizes the urgency of addressing the information crisis we are currently experiencing. Drawing parallels with the Gutenberg printing revolution, the speaker suggests that measures similar to the invention of universal schooling are needed to navigate the vast sea of information available today. The podcast argues for a combination of legislative action, changes in social norms, and the development of frameworks and curriculums to help individuals manage the information overload without suffering negative mental and emotional consequences. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking the information crisis seriously and taking action to mitigate its harmful effects.
Kara and Scott discuss Tesla recalling 2 million vehicles, Netflix revealing viewership statistics, and a couple of….terrifying liquids. Then, nearly 200 countries have approved a global pact that calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels at COP28. And Epic Games has beat Google in court, with a jury ruling the company violated antitrust laws. Then we’re joined by Friend of Pivot, Naomi Alderman, on her new book, “The Future.”
You can find Naomi Alderman on X at @NaomiAllthenews.
Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.
Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot.
