Economist Podcasts You don’t say: tech’s Trump bans
Jan 12, 2021
Patrick Fowles, Business affairs editor for The Economist, dives into the controversial bans on social media that raise questions about free speech and tech power, specifically spotlighting the Trump ban. Sasha Nauta, Public policy editor, discusses the evolution of girlhood, emphasizing the positive shifts and ongoing challenges due to the pandemic and societal pressure. They also touch on the struggle to combat snake bite fatalities with innovative science and potentially universal antidotes.
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Trump, Social Media, and Free Speech
- Two problematic trends converged: Donald Trump's influence and social media's power.
- Their intersection culminated in unprecedented actions by tech companies, raising concerns about free speech and setting global precedents.
Concerns about Banning Trump
- The rationale for banning Trump (incitement to violence) is fluid and inconsistently applied.
- The power to shape public discourse lies with a few individuals in tech companies, raising concerns about potential exclusion of fringe actors.
Regulating Online Content
- Increase competition to prevent a few companies from controlling speech.
- Establish a clear definition of incitement to violence and ensure transparent decisions with redress methods, potentially via a media regulator.