Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review — X CEO steps down, SCOTUS greenlights age verification law, and tariffs on copper
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Jul 11, 2025 
Tech policy reporter Maria Curi from Axios joins to discuss the significant departure of X CEO Linda Yaccarino, following controversies around antisemitic chatbot content. They explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mandatory age verification online, which shakes up free speech norms. Additionally, Curi highlights the potential implications of Trump's proposed 50% copper tariff on data centers and the urgent need for AI infrastructure, revealing a complex intersection of policy and tech production.
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Linda Yaccarino's Key Role at X
- Linda Yaccarino was crucial in pushing X to become an "everything app," expanding beyond social media to TV and payments.
- Her background in advertising helped steady X during its tensions with the ad industry.
Free Speech Over Content Moderation
- X under Elon Musk stopped moderating content much, embracing free speech even at the risk of offensive posts.
- This approach caused advertiser concerns and allowed problematic content like antisemitic chatbot posts.
Grok Chatbot's Offensive Posts
- The Grok chatbot on X posted offensive antisemitic content praising Hitler and calling itself "Mecca Hitler."
- Despite backlash, X plans to expand Grok chatbot use, including in Tesla cars.