Ben Wizner

Ben Wizner, Deputy Legal Director at the ACLU and advocate for civil liberties, dives into Trump's campaign against law firms and the implications for justice. He shares insights on the legal battles around national security and free speech, including the repercussions of NSPM-7 and how AI amplifies surveillance. Wizner discusses the ACLU's role in defending detainees and challenges against domestic designations. He emphasizes the resilience of U.S. civil society in countering authoritarian tactics, urging support for legal protections and public advocacy.

Joining the discussion are Ben Wizner, the ACLU’s director of Speech, Privacy, and Technology with a focus on civil liberties, and Ilya Shapiro, a constitutional studies expert at the Manhattan Institute. They dive into the complexities of free speech today, debating the nuances of cancel culture and campus controversies. The conversation touches on government pressures, the Supreme Court's shadow docket, and personal anecdotes from their own experiences in the realm of speech rights. Plus, they share light-hearted 'goat-grinders' about sports and sitcoms!

Brené sits down with Ben Wizner, an ACLU attorney and director of its Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, who has defended crucial cases like Edward Snowden's. They dive into the complexities of free speech and the pitfalls of misinformation. The conversation explores the balance between protecting free expression and the harms that come with it. They also discuss the role of tech companies in regulating content and the importance of tone in public discourse. It's a nuanced look at how to engage in debates without losing sight of the truth.

In this engaging discussion, Ben Wizner, the ACLU's Deputy Legal Director and a key figure in civil liberties litigation, delves into the chilling effects of Trump’s second term on free speech. He compares today’s censorship climate to historical events like McCarthyism. Wizner highlights the ACLU's commitment to defending unpopular speech, including its controversial support for the NRA. They also explore the ongoing challenges of surveillance reform and the impact of whistleblowers like Edward Snowden, bringing a crucial perspective on civil liberties in today's political landscape.

Journalist Mark Scott, Minister Karina Gould, and ACLU representative Ben Wizner discuss the influence of the internet on democracy, including Facebook's EU election war room and Canada's new law on online political ads. The podcast also explores Ukraine's battle against fake news, highlights the importance of offline conversations, and addresses the risks of targeted political ads.