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Shawn Ryan Show

#132 Mike Benz - Inside the Censorship Industrial Complex

Sep 19, 2024
Mike Benz, a former U.S. Department of State official and digital freedom advocate, dives deep into the censorship industrial complex. He highlights how censorship affects free speech both domestically and globally, especially in places like Brazil. Benz discusses government influence on social media narratives and the alarming role of federal agencies in shaping public discourse. He underscores the need for oversight and reform while warning of the geopolitical stakes tied to internet governance and censorship practices.
02:45:32

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mike Benz underscores the alarming rise of an interconnected censorship industry involving government, tech companies, and civil society that limits free expression.
  • The podcast discusses how U.S. foreign policy promotes censorship abroad, compromising democratic values while influencing other nations' regulations on free speech.

Deep dives

Introduction to Censorship and Free Speech

The episode discusses the growing concerns over internet censorship and its implications for free speech, particularly in relation to the U.S. government's influence on social media platforms. The conversation highlights the establishment of a 'censorship industry' involving government agencies, tech companies, and civil society organizations working to control narratives online. This network's aim is to limit dissenting opinions and strengthen government authority over public discourse, especially regarding sensitive topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic and political elections. The episode emphasizes the need for increased awareness and resistance against these censorship efforts.

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