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"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg
E101: Wokeism & Class w/ David Sacks, Trump’s AI Czar [Upstream Archive]
Dec 7, 2024
David Sacks, an entrepreneur and investor known for his work at PayPal and his role as Trump’s AI czar, dives into the shifting landscape of Silicon Valley's political culture. He discusses the troubling rise of censorship and wokeism, particularly its implications for free speech. The dialogue uncovers the widening class divide influenced by these ideologies and evaluates how powerful entities manipulate discourse to maintain control. Sacks also critiques the monopolistic practices in tech and emphasizes the need for accountability in corporate leadership.
01:19:08
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Quick takeaways
- The shift from free speech values in tech to a culture of censorship, as seen with PayPal, reflects troubling implications for civil liberties.
- The collaboration between major tech firms and government entities raises concerns about accountability, regulation, and the erosion of democratic norms.
Deep dives
The Shift from Free Speech to Censorship
The evolution of companies like PayPal reflects a broader trend in the tech industry where the original ethos of free speech has been increasingly overshadowed by a culture of censorship. Initially designed to democratize access and communication, these platforms now prioritize restricting speech under the guise of preventing harm. With leadership often aligned with left-leaning activist groups, PayPal's recent actions illustrate a disturbing trend where they not only curtail free expression but actively work to suppress political dissent by denying financial services to certain groups. This shift raises significant concerns about the implications for civil liberties and the future of free expression in digital spaces.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode