The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Antitrust, censorship, misinformation, and the 2020 election

Nov 16, 2020
Guest
Casey Newton
Casey Newton, a technology journalist known for his insights on the intersection of big tech and democracy, delves into the landscape of social media post-2020 election. He discusses how platforms like Facebook and Twitter have adjusted their misinformation policies and the implications of these changes. The rise of alternative platforms like Parler reflects growing discontent with mainstream sites. Newton also addresses the antitrust challenges facing tech giants and the delicate balance they must strike between profit and responsibility in a polarized political environment.
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INSIGHT

Platforms' Role in Elections

  • Tech platforms play a significant role in elections by shaping information spread and decision-making.
  • Their influence is likely secondary, supporting an overall information environment rather than determining outcomes.
INSIGHT

Platforms as Institutions

  • Tech platforms are unique institutions, unlike traditional media or government bodies.
  • They're susceptible to public pressure and can change based on user feedback.
INSIGHT

Increased Moderation

  • Tech platforms have increased content moderation due to lessons learned from the 2016 election.
  • They acted on pre-announced policies to address election integrity concerns after 2016.
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