The Joe Rogan Experience #2237 - Mike Benz
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Dec 3, 2024 
Mike Benz, a former U.S. State Department official and now Executive Director of the Foundation For Freedom Online, dives into the complexities of digital censorship. He discusses the government's evolving role in online speech, scrutinizing the intertwining of censorship and democracy since the 2016 election. Benz also highlights foreign influence on democratic institutions, particularly in Ukraine, and critiques the censorship industry’s impact on political discourse. The conversation raises vital questions about the balance between free speech and disinformation in today's political landscape.
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2014 Ukraine Coup
- The U.S. orchestrated a coup in Ukraine in 2014, leading to Crimea joining Russia.
- This event triggered the development of internet censorship as a tool for soft power influence.
Elon's Impact
- Elon Musk's purchase of X marked a turning point in the fight against internet censorship.
- The Disinformation Governance Board's announcement revealed the extent of government censorship.
Global Engagement Center's Shift
- The Global Engagement Center, initially created to fight ISIS, became a tool for censorship.
- This center used natural language processing to identify and target suspected ISIS supporters.