The Vergecast

Trump signs executive order targeting social media companies / HBO Max launches in the US

May 29, 2020
Adi Robertson, a technology reporter known for her sharp social media insights, joins Casey Newton, a journalist focused on tech and politics. They discuss Trump’s executive order targeting social media platforms, analyzing the implications for content moderation and Section 230. Julia Alexander, a media analyst, sheds light on HBO Max's launch challenges, particularly AT&T's complicated strategy. The trio highlights HBO Max’s unique approach using human curation and the competitive streaming landscape, which includes its push to attract subscribers with beloved content like the Harry Potter series.
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ANECDOTE

Missing Website

  • Nilay Patel questions the existence of a COVID-19 testing website promised by Trump.
  • The website remains unavailable after 11 weeks, despite Trump's claims.
INSIGHT

Tech Influence

  • Tech companies like Google and Facebook hold significant influence over the web experience.
  • They can manipulate standards and prioritize their services, raising regulatory concerns.
INSIGHT

Section 230 Explained

  • Section 230 protects platforms from liability for user-generated content, enabling content moderation.
  • Without Section 230, platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube couldn't exist.
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