The Tech Policy Press Podcast Governing Babel: John Wihbey on Platforms, Power, and the Future of Free Expression
Oct 5, 2025
Join John Wihbey, an associate professor at Northeastern University and author of Governing Babel, as he navigates the complex landscape of platform governance and free expression. He discusses the implications of social media's role in societal crises, especially in light of January 2021 events. Wihbey explores the challenges posed by AI on shared reality and emphasizes the need for structured forums for dialogue and clearer regulations. His insights into global perspectives on free speech and the role of platforms highlight the urgent need for coherent governance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
January 2021 As A Global Window
- January 2021 illustrated global warning signs where social media amplified protests and repression across countries.
- Wihbey uses this month as a window to show common platform-driven challenges in diverse societies.
Crisis Is Amplified, Not Entirely New
- Wihbey argues the online environment is amplifying underlying social and political crises rather than causing them alone.
- He frames the current moment as part of a longer, hundred-year cycle with possible opportunities for reform.
Start With Structured Evidence Gathering
- Build structured, evidence-driven forums before rushing into binding rules for platforms.
- Gather data, create definitional clarity, and compel companies to show up regularly for oversight and learning.
