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The Internet, Power, and the Deep State: Zeynep Tufekci on Technology and Democracy Today
Feb 26, 2025
Zeynep Tufekci, a New York Times columnist and Princeton professor, delves into the intricate ties between technology and democracy. She discusses how social media shapes political movements and influences public trust in institutions, especially under a changing U.S. administration. The conversation also covers Elon Musk's impact on European politics, contrasting hate speech laws in the U.S. and Germany, and the dangers of unchecked governmental power. Tufekci calls for urgent reforms to safeguard democracy amid rising surveillance concerns.
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Quick takeaways
- Zeynep Tufekci illustrates how social media platforms can both empower democratic movements and facilitate authoritarian interests, impacting governance and accountability.
- The podcast highlights the importance of rebuilding public trust in institutions post-pandemic to effectively manage future health crises and political challenges.
Deep dives
The Impact of Technology on Protest and Governance
The complex relationship between technology, protest movements, and governance is emphasized, particularly with the influence of powerful social media platforms like Twitter. Zeynep Tufekci discusses how these platforms can empower democratic movements but also align with authoritarian interests, impacting freedom and accountability. She gives historical context, highlighting how the alignment of political power and technology has been seen before, warning that this could lead to censorship and increased authoritarianism. The case of the Trump administration is used as a current illustration of how technology may shape both political strategy and public discourse.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode