The NPR Politics Podcast

Government Mostly Can't Talk To Social Giants — That's A Problem

Jul 7, 2023

Shannon Bond, NPR's disinformation correspondent, dives deep into the government's recent legal setback in tackling online misinformation. She discusses how a federal ruling may hinder communication between federal agencies and social media giants like Facebook. The conversation addresses the chilling effects on public trust, especially regarding COVID-19 information and election integrity. The need for responsible government-tech dialogue is emphasized, alongside the complexities of free speech in our polarized media landscape.

24:35

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Episode guests

Shannon Bond

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Social Media and Government Regulation

7min

Exploring Government and Tech Communication Challenges

2min

Navigating Government and Social Media Tensions

8min

Reflections on Competitive Eating and the 4th of July

2min

From Contests to Controversies

4min

The government's ability to fight disinformation online has suffered a legal setback that experts say will have a chilling effect on communications between federal agencies and social media companies.

A ruling by a federal district judge in Louisiana could have far-reaching consequences for the government's ability to work with Facebook and other social media giants to address false and misleading claims about COVID, vaccines, voting, and other issues that could undermine public health and erode confidence in election results.

This episode: national political correspondent Sarah McCammon, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and disinformation correspondent Shannon Bond.

The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

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