The Vergecast

TechFreedom's Berin Szóka on bad tech policy

Aug 13, 2019
Join Berin Szóka, the President of TechFreedom and an expert in tech policy, as he dives into the turbulent landscape of technology regulation. He shares thoughts on the misinterpretation of Section 230 and critiques recent Republican strategies regarding net neutrality. Szóka and Nilay Patel discuss the rise of misinformation in shaping narratives about censorship. They explore the SMART Act's implications for social media addiction and highlight the complexities of new tech regulations while calling for more nuanced discussions around these pressing issues.
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INSIGHT

Republicans' Net Neutrality Playbook

  • Republicans are emulating the left's political success with net neutrality by creating their own version focused on Section 230.
  • This strategy is politically genius, even if the substance lacks merit, as demonstrated by Josh Hawley's dismissive response to criticism.
ANECDOTE

Hawley's Hypocrisy on Funding

  • Berin Szóka highlights the hypocrisy of Josh Hawley's attacks on his funding sources, given Hawley's own history of defending corporate rights and accepting large contributions from tech critics like Peter Thiel.
  • Hawley's accusations contradict Republican views on campaign finance, which argue that money follows views, not the other way around.
INSIGHT

The Misinterpretation of Section 230

  • Hawley's claim that Section 230 grants tech companies a special exemption from liability in exchange for political neutrality is false.
  • Section 230's true purpose was to encourage content moderation and protect websites from liability for user-generated content, not enforce neutrality.
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